SOCIETY, EVENTS & OTHER GOOD CAUSES
The Spiritual Care Guild of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles – CHLA – finished out another successful year with their ‘Keep The Ball Rolling’ benefit at Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood.
Over 175 members, patrons, friends and families contributed to the magnificent success of this exhilarating event that definitely kept the ball rolling for the Spiritual Care Guild of CHLA.
The Sunday afternoon event brought many La Cañada residents out to bowl and raise money for the Spiritual Care Department of CHLA. It was a fun, competitive evening both on the lanes and in the live auction bidding wars for fabulous items.
Lucky Strike Lanes generously donated their facilities and bowling shoes, making the event an even greater success. The state-of-the-art facilities provided an incredible atmosphere for bowlers and non-bowlers alike.
San Marino residents Connie Harding, Heidi Johnson, and Lori Cuccia – president, former past president, and incoming president respectively – helped put on quite an event, with Heidi and Lori as the Benefit Chairs.
Other local patrons and members who helped make the night a rolling success included Carrie and Kal Benuska, Diane and Gregg Evans, Pana and Brian Gelt, Nancy and Paul Hittner, Diane and David Lam, Anne and Mike Mallory, Mike Mathis and, past president Karen and Mike Preston.
In the Guild’s short four-year history, they can proudly say they have raised over $590,000 for CHLA. This milestone has made a profound impact on the Spiritual Care Department enabling them to hire one full time staff chaplain/ supervisor; hire three per diem part time chaplain and start an endowment for Spiritual Care to ensure the future of the service at CHLA
Over the past twelve months over 13,000 patients and their families received Spiritual Care during their visit to CHLA. Many were in crisis – facing life-altering emergencies.
Others were counseled and consoled with blessings, prayers and support often administering sacraments including baptisms, First Holy Communion and confirmation. Bonds are formed with the long-term patients where regular visits offer compassion, friendship and solace.
The 2007-08 theme of ‘Keep the Ball Rolling’ was definitely an appropriate sentiment for this year’s benefit.
For more information on the Spiritual Care Guild of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, please visit their website at www.spiritualcareguild.org
Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has been treating seriously ill and injured children for more than a century, and it is acknowledged throughout the United States and around the world for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health. The hospital is a leader in pediatric research.