Four supporters of Hillsides, a nonprofit child welfare organization serving children in foster care and families in crisis, will be honored at the Hillsides Circle of Excellence Dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at The Rococo Room in Pasadena. This annual event is a chance for Hillsides to thank donors and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in giving their talents, time, and resources to the agency.
The following are receiving awards:
• Sue Tutt, who is receiving the Hillsides Lifetime Achievement Award. Tutt has been volunteering at Hillsides since 2001. After retiring as a middle school home economics teacher, Tutt dedicated her time to helping the children who live at Hillsides residential treatment program to sew and cook. She has also been a long-time member of Hillsides Guild, a support group that fundraises for and plans activities for the children.
• Friends of Foster Children, which is receiving the Hillsides Community Angel Award. Friends of Foster Children, which provides goods, volunteer services, and financial support to foster children and emancipated youth, supports the children of Hillsides year-round. The organization provides school supplies for the children, Halloween goodies, Christmas gifts, and Easter baskets, among other gifts.
• John Gong, who is receiving the Hillsides Angel Award. Gong, the vice president of global events and show production at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media has been involved with Hillsides since 1997. He has served on Hillsides board of directors for six years, and is also a key member of the Hillsides Volunteer Network, a volunteer group that plans and participates in activities for the children.
• Ed Patterson, who is receiving the Hillsides Special Recognition Award. Patterson served as the chair of the Hillsides Volunteer Network from 2009 – 2015 and is now serving as the treasurer. Under his leadership, the Hillsides Volunteer Network more than doubled in size. Patterson’s involvement at Hillsides has inspired him and his wife Lori to become foster parents with the intent of adopting.
The Rococo Room is located at 260 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena.
Hillsides, founded in 1913 and serving more than 6,200 children and families in Los Angeles County is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and families. For more information, please visit www.hillsides.org.
