The 35th Annual AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall, presented by Forever 21, was a terrific success. We raised $100,000 for our Lawrence L. Frank Center and Pasadena Work Center! Held on a perfect fall day at the beautiful South Pasadena home of John and Diane Mullin, the 2009 annual food and wine event, attracted approximately 400 guests. Thank you for attending!

We gratefully acknowledge Presenting Sponsor Forever 21, and all our event sponsors who stepped up to support the children and adults with disabilities at both of our centers. 

This year's restaurants/gourmet markets and vintners/breweries outdid themselves. Attendees were able to sample incredible cuisine and spirits. Thank you to Barn Burner Texas BBQ, Casa Torelli Imports, Chefelle-Personal Chef and Catering Service, Claro’s Italian Markets, Inc., Derek’s Bistro & Dickenson West Fine Catering, Dona Rosa Bakery & Taqueria, El Cholo Café, Elements Café, Euro Pane Bakery, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, Gale’s Restaurant, Green Street Restaurant, Hot Stuff Café, Julienne Fine Foods and Celebrations, La Grande Orange Café, La Nueva Posada, Marston’s Restaurant, Noir Food and Wine, Rodney Strong Winery, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, San Antonio Winery/Maddalena Vineyards, Stone Brewing Co., Tam O’ Shanter and Violet’s Cakes for donating their delicious delicacies!

Our silent and live auctions, and opportunity drawings were a hit and helped us reach our financial goal. We want to thank all our donors who contributed wonderful and distinctive products, services, artwork, furniture and other unique items.

Thank you to the Arcadia High School Quartet for donating their time to perform, adding a special musical ambience to the event. We look forward to having you in the future.

AbilityFirst thanks Richard R. Frank, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc., grandson of Lawrence L. Frank and AbilityFirst Board Member, for serving as Event Chair of the 35th Annual Gourmet Festival of Fall. We also appreciate the work of the entire Festival of Fall of Steering Committee and their dedication to helping children and adults with disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.

We are grateful to new AbilityFirst friends John and Diane Mullin for allowing us to use their home for our Festival of Fall. By opening their doors and hearts to us, they personify what it means to give back to the community.

Lastly we thank all our volunteers, parents and staff for their hard work. Whether working in our offices or on-site, their enthusiastic dedication to making sure that the event ran smoothly and efficiently is very much appreciated!

We look forward to next year's Gourmet Festival of Fall and the opportunity to work together with everyone again.

For more information about the 2010 Annual AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall, including sponsorships, donations or participation, please call Stephanie Nelson, at AbilityFirst at (626) 243-4852.