Sycamores will host its Celebrating Children Gala on Saturday, March 16, at Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles. This festive evening will bring together supporters to raise funds for Sycamores’ crucial behavioral health programs.
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, complemented by live music and auctions. The event will also feature inspiring stories from individuals who have benefited from Sycamores’ services and much more.
The heart of the gala is the presentation of the Sycamores Celebrating Children Award. This year, the organization proudly honors both John Drinker and the Los Altos Auxiliary for their outstanding dedication, leadership and commitment to creating better lives for children, families and adults in the Southern California community.
Drinker served as Sycamores’ board chair from July 2021 to June 2023. During his tenure, Sycamores saw many positive changes — from opening a new clinic in Palm Springs and Family Resource Center in Palmdale to launching the organization’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams in partnership with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and L.A. County.
The Los Altos Auxiliary has provided unwavering support and care for boys primarily in current foster youth at Sycamores El Nido Residential Therapeutic Program for many decades. In addition to funding large-scale capital improvements, members provide a personal touch of home with on-campus and off-campus activities, as well as meaningful one-to-one interactions. Their involvement enriches campus life and enhances the work Sycamores staff does with the youth.
Debra Manners, president and CEO of Sycamores, eagerly anticipates this year’s gala.
“The event provides a fantastic occasion for our community to celebrate the collective positive impact we achieve together,” Manners said. “We are excited to honor John Drinker and the dedicated members of Los Altos, recognizing their invaluable contributions to Sycamores.”
The Celebrating Children Spring Gala committee is co-chaired by La Cañada Flintridge residents, Laura Baker and Christina Bang. Baker, Southern California/Nevada Health business leader at Mercer and Sycamores board of directors member, joins Bang, president of Bang Licensing Group and long-time Sycamores supporter, in spearheading this event.
Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Sycamores’ child welfare and behavioral health programs, impacting over 18,000 vulnerable children, youth and families annually throughout Southern California.
Visit sycamores.org to become a sponsor or purchase tickets or ads for the 2024 Celebrating Children Gala. Sponsorships and tickets are limited. RSVP by Feb. 26. Email development@sycamores.org or call (626) 390-4191 for more information.
First published in the February 1 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
