AbilityFirst, the 88 year old Pasadena-based charity hosted a Discovery Breakfast on Wednesday, January 29, 2013 at the University Club in Pasadena. Community leaders assembled to learn more about AbilityFirst and discussed ways to become involved as they work to expand its brand and services to their communities across the Southland.
The event was hosted by AbilityFirst board member Bill Hawkins. Other AbilityFirst leaders in attendance were Steve Brockmeyer, Carol Llewellyn, Patricia Vick, Ray Cherry, and Mark Fedde. Also attending were San Gabriel Valley luminaries Gil De Cardenas, Paige Parrish, Winnie Reitnouer, Linda Dickason, Bob De Kruif, Greg Wood, Todd Derrick, John Hrovat, and Gail Shaper-Gordon.
Some 50 attendees enjoyed breakfast and remarks from Lori Gangemi, AbilityFirst CEO and a small handful of key supporters about the critical nature of the programs provided by AbilityFirst. The highlight of the program was a heartfelt address given by 34 year-old Tyson Strobel – an AbilityFirst participant now living and working independently, who explained what the organization meant to him and how it has enhanced his life.
About Ability First
AbilityFirst, formerly Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential. Through 25 locations across Southern California, they offer a broad range of employment, recreational and socialization programs as well as accessible residential housing complexes and an accessible camp, Camp Paivika, for both children and adults.
