Barry and Marcie Robinson with Guild President Diana Gamble and Guild Members Judi Moore and Linda Matsuno-Parmenter
Guild Member and Benefit Chair Joan Feser with her three children John, Michael and Juliana
The Villa Esperanza Guild will hold its 19th annual Day of Thoroughbred Racing to benefit Villa Esperanza Services on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 11:30 am. The nearly 200 guests that are expected will enjoy an exciting day of racing at Santa Anita Racetrack’s Club House Terrace in Arcadia. The event will also feature lunch, raffles and a grand prize drawing. Each year the Guild’s Race Day generates support for Villa’s Hjelte-Phillips Speech and Language Center and Adult Residential Program, two of Villa’s nine programs that help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities gain greater independence and live more fulfilling lives.
Tickets to the event are $130 each and include admission to the park, an official program, lunch and seating at a table for four. Event sponsorships are also available. “I look forward to Race Day every year,” shares Villa Esperanza Services Chief Executive Officer Kelly White. “We are extremely grateful for the Guild and all that they do to support Villa. Their hard work and dedication in making this event happen is really appreciated. We encourage everyone to come out to Santa Anita for the day.” Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.VillaEsperanzaServices.org or by calling (626) 449-2919, ext.135.
Chairing this year’s event is Joan Feser, a former Villa teacher and mother of three adult clients who participate in Villa’s programs. After retiring several years ago from her teaching career Ms. Feser wanted to give back and became an active member in the Villa Esperanza Guild. In addition to Ms. Feser, who is from Pasadena, the Benefit Committee includes Guild President Diana Gamble of Burbank, Connie Ching of Arcadia, Sally Irving of San Gabriel, Georgene Neely of San Marino and Nancy Pierson of Sierra Madre. The Villa Esperanza Guild was formed in 1968 to increase awareness of the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Villa Esperanza Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and education of children, adults and seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Villa offers nine programs including a school for children up to the age of 22 years; a Speech and Language Center and Occupational Therapy Clinic providing children, adults and seniors with comprehensive therapies; employment services; day programs for adults; and adult residences in Pasadena. To learn more about Villa’s collaborative approach, log on to www.VillaEsperanzaServices.org.
