Children’s Guild Awardees L - R: Marilyn Birkes, Jennifer Berger, (Five Acres Chief Advancement Officer,) Susan Lowe (Five Acres Volunteer Coordinator) Sandra Goto-Hochman, Nancy Lahey, Jerry Birkes, Linda Sakellariou, Peggy Cresto
Five Acres hosted an event on Thursday, April 16th, to honor all the volunteers who dedicate their time to helping serve some of the most vulnerable children in greater Los Angeles. Guests enjoyed a reception with lite bites and dessert and were treated to a short awards celebration including a special acknowledgement of 50 years of service for The Auxiliary of Five Acres. Volunteers contribute time, love and expertise to make a difference in the lives of the children at Five Acres.
Formerly known as the San Marino Area Auxiliary of Five Acres, The Auxiliary of Five Acres was originally established in 1965 to initiate and financially support the tutorial program at Five Acres. Since that time, the Auxiliary has directly impacted the children and families of Five Acres through various volunteer projects and fundraising efforts, including support for the Five Acres Group Home, Solita, the Annual Benefit Gala, and other special projects.
Other groups acknowledged included The Children’s Guild, for their commitment to being positive role models for the children living in residential care at Five Acres and the La Canada Junior Women’s Club, who, over the last 45 years has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local organizations, including Five Acres. Kidspace Children’s Museum and the California Institute of Technology have partnered to bring a unique science program to Five Acres residential youth, working with the Five Acres Therapeutic School 9th and 10th graders’ on various projects like hydrogen rockets and re-useable energy.
The Volunteer Appreciation Celebration represents the incredible work our volunteers dedicate to Five Acres not just today but all 365 days a year. We are proud to recognize their service and dedication. Without them, Five Acres could not do what we do! Our main campus was made possible by volunteers in 1925 and that legacy will carry on with our current and future volunteers continuing to serve our children and families.”
– Jennifer Berger, Chief Advancement Officer
Five Acres volunteers contribute time, energy, expertise and skills and are a very important and integral part of helping make a difference in the lives of the children and families served at Five Acres. For more information please contact Rebecca Haussling [email protected] or visit www.5acres.org/volunteer.
