SERVING CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Over $140,000 Raised at
37th Annual Gourmet
Festival of Fall
Over $140,000 Raised at 37th Annual Gourmet Festival of Fall
The 37th Annual AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall on October 2, 2011 was a great success! The event, which raised over $140,000, benefits the AbilityFirst Lawrence L. Frank and Pasadena Work Centers and it drew a crowd of over 400 bringing numerous AbilityFirst friends and supporters, as well as civic and community leaders together.
The Lawrence L. Frank Center, which serves the San Gabriel Valley region of Southern California, including the communities of Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Rosemead, San Marino, South Pasadena, and Temple City, offers programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities, such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Epilepsy. The Pasadena Work Center provides many business services including document shredding, sorting, packaging, assembly, fulfillment, and mailing-while providing employment to adults with developmental disabilities.
The luxurious event, which took place at the beautiful Historic Laurabelle A. Robinson House in Pasadena, was hosted by Mark and Phaedra Ledbetter, who generously donated the use of their home as a spectacular backdrop.
As a special treat, long time television and award-winning journalist, Jann Carl, served as the mistress of ceremonies, and Lee Meriwether, honorary chair, was in attendance. Hundreds of guests were spotted enjoying a lively and friendly atmosphere as they roamed the grounds of the beautiful estate savoring the delightful and distinct cuisines presented by fine restaurants and wineries. The Festival of Fall event has become a destination event for food and wine connoisseurs, and featured wineries and breweries from all over California along with a spectacular culinary experience with dishes prepared by more than 30 Pasadena restaurants.
AbilityFirst would like to thank our sponsors for their support and commitment to children and adults with special needs. Sponsors include:
Union Bank
Halbert Hargrove
Bob and Judi Moore
Wells Fargo
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance Brokers of California, Inc.
Fedde Furniture
Kaiser Permanente
Lawry’s Restaurant, Inc.
Longo Toyota-Scion-Lexus
Denise Petitfils
Alaska National Insurance Company
Bolton & Company
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Green, Hasson & Janks LLP
McGladrey & Pullin LLP
Joumana & Charles Barakat
Dr. and Mrs. George Kafrouni
LunchPad
Mr. and Mrs. Antoine Morillo
Smart & Final Foundation
Pasadena Magazine
Pasadena Now
The Outlook
A special thank you to every restaurant, winery, and brewery who participated in this year’s event:
a/k/a Bistro
Barrel 27 Wine Company
Bristol Farms
Café 140 South
Chefelle Personal Chef and Catering Service
The Counter
Craftsman Brewing Company
El Cholo
Elements Kitchen
Gale’s Restaurant
Green Street Restaurant
Golden State Wine Company
Hartley-Ostini Winery
Jones Coffee Roasters
Julienne Fine Foods and Celebrations
Kensington Caterers
Loring Wine Company
Marston’s Restaurant
New Belgium Brewing Company
Noir Food and Wine
Pasadena Baking Company
Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Shiverick-Jones Imports
Stone Brewing Co.
Tam O’Shanter
The Terraces at Quarry Vineyards
WCP Wines
Wine Warehouse
We would also like to thank the Festival of Fall Steering Committee for their leadership and hard work. Committee members include Mark Fedde, Joumana Barakat, Michael Barkyoumb, Julia Cody, Richard Frank, Lori Gangemi, Michael Hawkins, Reginald Ingram, Karen Jong, Gale Kohl, Patrice Litchfield, Carol Llewellyn, Joe Longo, Maryanne Miller, Bob Moore, Paige Parrish, Randall Repp, Greg Wood, and Peter Yoou.
Additionally, we greatly appreciate the help of our employees and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure the event ran smoothly and efficiently.
We hope to see you at the 38th Annual Gourmet Festival of Fall in 2012!