On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Staff at HFS Adoption and Foster Care, heartfelt thanks to those who attended and supported the 2024 Circle of Hope Gala at the San Gabriel Country Club on the evening of April 28th, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the agency!
Since its inception in 1949, HFS’s priority has been to care for everyone involved in adoption, not only the children and adoptive parents but the birth parents as well. Throughout its 75 years, originally as part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and now with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, HFS has served clients regardless of race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or income level. HFS’s first placement occurred on December 12, 1949; now, seventy-five years and over 7,000 adopted children later, the agency still works under those same, non-judgmental guidelines.
We appreciate everyone who joined us at the Gala to acknowledge HFS’s remarkable legacy. The beautiful outdoor patio adjacent to the California Room at the San Gabriel Country Club sparkled in the late afternoon sun while guests mingled, enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres, raised their hopes in the opportunity drawing, and bid on wines donated by Nancy and George Rothwell in a silent auction.
At 6 p.m., attendees filed into the California Room for the dinner and program. Through photos, newsletters, and other items on display on the dining tables, at a memorabilia table, and in a slide show that ran continuously throughout the evening, guests were introduced to some of the many, many people who have worked so hard to continue the work of this important agency.
Honorees at the event included The Los Angeles Episcopal Diocese and the late Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, VI Bishop of Los Angeles; The California Endowment and retiring CEO Dr. Robert Ross; and The Mozilo Family Foundation, all of whom shared moving reflections on the role HFS has played in their lives. HFS is deeply grateful for their participation and generous support. Guests also appreciated hearing from adoptive parent Tim Smithers, who shared stories about his family’s adoption experience with HFS.
Wine served at dinner was generously donated by Alison and Geoff Rusack of Rusack Vineyards in Santa Ynez. They also donated a wine-tasting experience for 6 as part of the live auction held later in the evening.
Many thanks to all of the donors who made the live auction portion of the evening possible: The Rusacks, for the wine-tasting experience; Barbara Horowitz and Brent Tufeld, for tickets to two games at Dodger Stadium; Maria and Tom Horner, who donated tickets to two shows – Mrs. Doubtfire and Peter Pan – at the Broadway in Hollywood – Summer at the Pantages; Joseph Zanetta, who contributed a round of golf and lunch at Palm Desert Resort Country Club; and Tran Ly & David Mozilo, who donated a hard-to-get box at the Hollywood Bowl for a night with Pink Martini. And kudos to Matt Wright, who did a fabulous job as auctioneer!
By the end of the evening, with advance patrons, board donations, ticket sales, the opportunity drawing, live auction, and a paddle raise, HFS raised almost $200,000 for the agency, including generous pledges that evening from Dr. Robert Ross and the Mozilo Foundation! Thanks to everyone for making this event a huge success!
Here are some photos from the event.
