First published in the July 2 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
Two Glendale residents were among the 14 debutantes presented at the 60th annual June Ball, presented by the Pasadena Guild of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
The local young women were Sofia Daniella Gonzalez, daughter of Cristina and Christopher Gonzalez, and Heather Savannah Thomasian, daughter of Norma and Charles Thomasian.
The Langham Huntington Hotel was the setting for the annual event, this year marking its diamond anniversary.
More than 220 guests celebrated with the debutantes and their families in the ballroom decorated with flowers by Jacob Maarse Florists and a profusion of candles, creating a magical and elegant decor.
Guild President Cathy Woolway and June Ball co-chairwomen Paulette Geragos as well as Beth Price and Kim Shepherd greeted guests at a reception before the debutante presentation. The program began with welcome remarks by Woolway, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles President/CEO Paul Viviano, and Dr. Robert Shaddy, current holder of the endowed Pasadena Guild Chair, pediatrician-in-chief and senior vice president of academic affairs at CHLA.
Proceeds from the evening will continue to benefit the guild’s ongoing project, the Pasadena Guild Chair.
Emcee Mark Harris presented each debutante as she appeared center stage. After the presentation, an evening of dinner and dancing followed.
Established in 1947 by a small group of dedicated hospital volunteers, the Pasadena Guild has raised more than $35 million for CHLA, successfully completing guild endowments in the areas of pediatric eye cancer, pediatric surgery, adolescent medicine, bone and soft tissue research, developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
Additionally, the guild has made developmental biology endowments in partnership with the Saban Research Institute and funded two capital campaigns.
