The Newsletter of Children’s Hospital Branches, Inc. TWIGS Winter 2012 - Spring 2013 Published quarterly by CHB, Inc. @ CHORI 5700 Martin Luther King, Jr. T-2 Oakland, CA 94609-1673 (510) 428-3355 / (510) 597-7153 - fax My TWIGS letters remind me of someone writing in her diary, and I must say our events are definitely “diary-worthy”! So, here we go!! Betty Jo Olson..............................President Our Foundation launched our Fall FundMarilyn Zecher.............................Garden raising season by hosting our Branch luncheon Cyndi Santaella............................Teak meeting at CHORI. Our hospital’s “top brass” Debbie Civello..............................Rowan not only atttended our event but contributed Cece Werson, Parliamentarian....Hawthorne to a perfect educational and productive Joy Faussner, Bambino Liaison...Teak program. Sheila Challey..............................Rowan Other September events were Live Oak’s beautiful Miniature Show and Cacao’s fun Joan Deuel...................................Hill th Day-at-the-Races. Children’s Hospital celebrated its 100 Anniversary Wendy Dunn.................................Lombardy at Oakland’s Children’s Fairyland which turned out to be a huge success, Jeannie Graham..........................Garden especially for Orvie Pamp’s grandson who won a season ticket to Fairyland! Joanne Knapp..............................Rowan October is always a big fund-raising month. Mulbery held its Pam Pauletich..............................Lombardy annual Emeritus Luncheon, and Acorn hosted its popular Italian Dinner Kristina Smith...............................Rowan evening. On October 13th we had three outstanding events: Blossom Lucy Talbot...................................Hill Garden’s Moonlight Hideaway, Rowan’s Moonlight and Martinis, and Lynne Wilson...............................Acorn Lilac’s Centennial Celebration. Our Bambino Thrift Shop held its “Appreciation Day” on November 4 for its workers and friends. The Shop was beautifully decorated (see pg 4), making it a terrific time to start Christmas Shopping! Every November we look forward to Live Oak’s Dinner/Theater evening and Garden’s Boutique/Santa/Fashion Show and luncheon. I spent several hours before the latter event working with Joy Faussner, producing a ‘70’s fashion show for them. The clothes came into the Thrift Shop and Joy and Orvie Pamp thought up the fashion show idea. Joy did the model fittings, gave me the list and I proceeded to put the show together, working with the models and the music for the D.J. (Thank you to our Hospital’s Board of Directors’ Chairman, Jim Keefe). Joy requested three numbers: “Staying Alive”, “These Boots are Made for Walking” and “Y.M.C.A.” I had everyone stay on stage at the end and had our D.J. play “Y.M.C.A.” and everyone (200+) in the audience joined in - it was a riot! Speaking of Jim Keefe, he attended a banquet on the 13th in San Francisco where our President Bert Lubin won the award for “Best CEO of a mid-size Organization”. On December 6th I attended the “Threads of Hope” award ceremony held at the Orinda Theater, honoring community volunteers. I was thrilled to learn three out of the five people being honored had ties to Children’s Hospital: Eric Rudney, Gerald Brody and Tomas Magana. I also attended the Children’s Health Guild Luncheon Boutique at the Ritz-Carleton in San Francisco. This is the group of fund-raisers with whom I met when they left St. Luke’s in San Francisco and were moving on. They now give half their proceeds to our hospital and half to San Leandro children’s hospice, the George Mark House. Our hospital Board of Directors’ meetings these last months have been mainly discussions on melding with UCSF. The final decision will be announced soon. I would like a rousing round of applause for Cece Werson, Branch Board Parlimentarian, and her supergreat committee for the fabulous job they did in bringing our by-laws up to date. Thank you! Thank you! May I suggest to all of you making New Year’s resolutions to put it on your list to attend some of the marvelous fundraisers besides your own. Take it from me, you won’t regret it! Again, Happy New Year to you all! Love, Betty Jo Board of Directors Dear Friends, As we start the new year I wanted to thank you at the Branches for your tremendous support of Children’s Oakland in 2012. 2012 was another amazing year at Children’s Oakland. We launched our Centennial celebrating our first 100 years. I encourage you to visit www.100amazingyears.org to see the interactive timeline of Children’s history which highlights the important role the Branches has played since our beginning. Other 2012 highlights include: - Children’s was recognized by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of healthcare organizations, as one of only seven pediatric hospital’s in the country as a “Top Performer on Key Quality Measures.” - CHORI scientists continued their innovative research in several areas including cancer, heart disease, and obesity. - Community partner Kaiser Permanente gave us a $5 million grant to rebuild and modernize our facilities. - We made progress in our discussions about a possible affiliation with UCSF. I look forward to an even more amazing year in 2013, including a continuation of our Centennial celebration. As we continue to evolve with the times, one thing has remained the same at Children’s our 100% commitment to making 100% of kids 100% healthy! Thank you for your continued support of our patients, families, and medical center. Best wishes, Bertram Lubin, MD President & Chief Executive Officer Happy New Year to all Branch Members and Supporters! The last Twigs Newsletter had a short piece calling on Branch Members to help us locate former members. We also put a notice in HandPrints, a hospital publication, and so far the response has been great. I’m happy to report that quite a few former members called and wrote about how fondly they recall their time with the Branches. To all those ladies, welcome back! I have a Gift Planning Newsletter, called “A Century of Healing”, going out to over 5,000 people with a similar call to action. It has a touching story about a woman whose daughter spent quite a bit of time in Children’s Neonatal ICU almost 30 years ago. What made the story special was a Branches connection, so we are also sending it to Branch members. If you haven’t already received our gift planning newsletter, look for it in your mailbox soon. As Director of Gift Planning for the Foundation, my job is to help donors support Children’s Hospital and, by extension, anyone who supports The Branches, Inc. Whether it’s figuring the best way to make a current gift, helping with a gift that could provide lifetime income or assisting someone considering a gift in her will or trust, please let me be of service. The Branches has been critical to the success of Children’s Hospital and my goal is to help support our hospital for the next century of healing. So, from everyone here at the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Happy New Year 2013! Kevin Hughes, Director of Gift Planning Children’s Hospital & Research Center Foundation PS: In case you haven’t heard, there were some last-minute changes to the tax law that may affect you, your families and the donors we all rely on for support. If you have any questions about your particular situation or about how these changes may affect the Branches, please let me know; I’d be happy to talk. “One generation plants the tree, so that the next may enjoy the shade.” Proverb Blossom Garden’s Moonlight Hideaway It was a night of vintage elegance… glitz, glamour and sparkle… to be remembered by everyone who attended the sold-out event on October 13th. Blossom Garden of Alameda welcomed 236 guests who indulged in 1920’s swanky style at its 16th Annual Moonlight Hideaway fundraising event to benefit Children’s Hospital & Research Center of Oakland. Always unique, this year’s event location was the historic Alameda Hotel, which was the perfect backdrop for this evening of vintage glamour. As guests arrived, they strolled past a 1920’s classic car, walked the red carpet and were greeted with champagne and the sounds of the a cappella singing group, The High Seas. As guests enjoyed the scenery, they tapped their toes to the hottest rhythm swings while listening to live music by Bay Area’s favorite Tin Pan Alley–era band, The Frisky Frolics. It was definitely the Cat’s Meow!! As guests stepped back in time for the evening, they walked through the showcase of more than five dozen auction items, all donated by generous merchants and businesses throughout the Bay Area. There was the opportunity to rock out with friends at a Bruce Springsteen concert or escape to Puerto Vallarta for a full week’s stay over Spring break; ride on the open road on a Spyder, a futuristic hybrid motorcycle; or receive a consultation package with an architect, contractor and interior designer. Of course, the hit of the evening was two separate bidding wars over two adorable puppies, a Chocolate Lab and a white Shih Tzu puppy, both of which came complete with puppy training classes and veterinarian services. Swanky Catering & Events catered the buffet dinner, which was followed by a moving talk from Dr. Ziad Saba, cardiologist at Children’s Hospital. One family with first-hand experience with Dr. Saba and his dedicated staff at Children’s Hospital also shared some thoughtful words. After the live auction, dancing commenced as guests celebrated the evening. The members of Blossom Garden are grateful to their friends, family, and the community for their willingness to continue to support this important cause. Thanks to everyone involved, the event raised close to $60,000 for Children’s Hospital. Blossom Garden of Alameda especially thanks the following sponsors for their kindness and support: One Toyota of Oakland, Karin Ingerman Fox (Harbor Bay Realty), McGuire & Hester, Richard and Susan Sherratt, Parker Orthodontics, Charles Schwab & Co., Claremont Behavioral Services, Mermaid Series, and Perforce Software. Natalie Chriss, Monisa Croxton, Jolyn Stockton, Karen Granados and Elgina Conner Christine Naish-Naccarelli and Sabrina Baltutis decked out for the evening Members l-r: Heather Tega, Amy Roizen, Hillary Ratto, Michelle Hill, Beverly Leong, Liana Hans, Sabrina Baltutis, Natalie Chriss, Holly Zaches, Jennifer Roloff, Monisa Croxton, Leticia Arnold, Karen Granados, Jolyn Stockton, Natalie Olsen Todd and Jennifer Roloff with guests getting into character in the photo booth Photographer J. Michael Tucker with Larry Baltutis Members Monisa Croxton and Amy Roizen with two of the adorable auction items Garden’s Annual Holiday Party On November 14, 2012 Garden Branch held its annual Holiday Luncheon at the Elk's Lodge in Alameda. The fun-filled day included a delicious lunch and a most amusing fashion show featuring 1970's clothing from the Bambino Thrift Shop. Thank you to our dear Teak Branch friends, Orvie Pamp and Joy Faussner, for the great idea and, along with CHB President, Betty Jo Olson, the execution of the show. Of course we held our traditional raffle of sixty-six glorious baskets, a superb bake sale and an awesome boutique with new and vintage delights, and a Santa Grab Bag offering the opportunity to win gift cards and cash. This was a delightful occasion for a great cause! Betty Jo with Joy Faussner showing off the very latest in ‘70’s lounge wear Sharlyn McIntyre looks splended in her hat and afternoon attire. “John Travolta” aids Joy in showing off her shockingly colorful costume Bambino Thrift Shop Dresses up for the Holidays Back row - Derryl Zeller, Laurie Hobson, Valerie Greer, Suzy Silva, Roleen Silva, Yolanda Northridge, Sharon Young, Jeanne Edgar, Susan Potter, Marilyn Zecher Front row - Kathryn Mosher, Norma Cabral, Joanie Sims, Jan Curtis, Carol Paden, Pat Heimans, Marilyn Appezzato, Honora Murphy Holiday treasures to choose from Fabulous, attentiongrabing new sign kindly donated by Jim Rizzo of Neon Works. Thank you, Jim!! Hill Branch’s 2012 Winter Ball 15 Young Ladies Celebrated at Winter Ball The St Francis Hotel in San Francisco came alive on Friday, December 21, for the 55th annual Winter Ball, where 15 young ladies from Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin Counties were celebrated and honored. The memorable and magical evening took place in the Grand Ballroom where these impressive young ladies took their bows with presenters and escorts by their side. Shand Green, this year’s Winter Ball Chair, addressed the guests: “We are grateful for our community support and the support of these young women’s families and friends. Thank you for being with us tonight to celebrate and honor these fine young ladies. It has been an honor for me to serve as chair for this wonderful tradition for the benefit of the community and Children’s Hospital Oakland and for the lovely accomplished young ladies who are our 2012 debutantes.” The Ballroom was elegantly dressed with shimmery silver table linens, accented effectively by centerpieces of red blooms. The room came alive to the music of Dick Bright’s orchestra with the ladies, family members, friends and guests dancing well into the early morning hours. It was a night to be fondly remembered by all. It was a special year as it marked the 100th anniversary for Children’s Hospital, Oakland. Dr. Bert Lubin addressed the guests and remarked on the great accomplishments of the hospital over the past century, thanking families and guests for their continued support of a worthy institution. Children’s Hospital Oakland provides more care to charity and MediCal recipients than any other California children’s hospital. In the spirit of giving and a lifetime commitment to philanthropy, it is a goal to introduce the talented young ladies each year to the mission of Children’s Hospital Oakland. Kate Faust, Hill Branch President, noted, “The Winter Ball is a terrific way for families, their daughters and their escorts to come together to support a great cause. This year was no exception!” Hill Branch, founded in 1914, has been committed to raising funds for children’s care, pediatric research and teaching at Children’s Hospital Oakland. Through the success of the Winter Ball, an annual event since 1958, Hill Branch has proudly donated over $4.7 million to the Hospital. Hill Branch is proud that the work and compassion demonstrated by supporters of Winter Ball assist Children’s Hospital Oakland to sustain its mission to turn no child away due to a lack of financial resources. Alameda County debutantes Front: Katharine DeWitt, Carlyn Wright, Michelle Fournier, Gabriela Blum, Isabel Goldman Middle: Haley Cassriel, Elizabeth Haney, Katherine O’Brien, Monica Fiedler-Ross, Anna Wender Back: Megan Everett, Caroline Counts, Jamie Fiero, Elizabeth Brickley, Jordan Todd James Brian Fidelibus, Photographer Solo deb from Marin County Debs from Contra Costa County Another Successful Lilac Event - With Style! In observance of the Hospital’s 100 year anniversary, Lilac held a tribute event, Centennial Celebration, as this year’s Fall fundraiser. It was held on October 13 at the Green Valley Country Club, the perfect location for this elegant black-tie optional affair. Co-chairs Eileen Emerson and Beth Morgese are quick to praise fellow Lilac members who worked diligently to make the evening a success. Jeanne Mackie and Rosemary Nelson designed a beautiful invitation to entice participants to attend. Betty McMahon and Gloria Taft created table decorations so stunning that the Country Club asked to borrow them for another upcoming event! Patricia Tubbs and Carolyn Reno created appealing displays of both silent and live auction items to bring the most bang for the buck. Virtually every Branch member had a hand in making the evening a smashing success. Co-chair Eileen Emerson and her husband Jon Wine Cellar (auction item). Note picture in background from Hospital’s archives. Lilac was pleased to have Ira Smith as the auctioeer encouraging competitive bidding by attractng attention to each item with a personalized vignette. The band Struttin’ played well into the night to the delight of members and guests who love to take to the dance floor. Emily and Beth were fortunate to have help from the Hospital’s Research Center. Through the Center they were able to obtain vintage photos of Hospital activities for display. What better way to demonstrate the good cause participants were supporting. Lilac happily reports close to record proceeds from the silent and live auctions to the tune of just over 19,000! Members Gloria Cordeiro, Nancy Mueller and Gloria Taft Members Fran Kassis and Jeanne Mackie with their husbands Phil and Ken Ken and Jeanne Mackie Acorn’s Always Fun and Successful Italian Dinner Saluté! Nina Fadelli, Denette Accornero and Maria Langbein Michael and Jeannie Klinger and Mae and Richard Ritz break from their cooking duties. Andrew Fadelli and Bill Fernanco assume their usual spots in the kitchen. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BRANCHES, INC. INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE AT THE ANNUAL VOLUNTEER and RECOGNITION LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 Orinda Country Club ~ 315 Camino Sobrante Orinda, California (925) 254-4313 No-host cocktails 11:00 a.m. Luncheon 12 Noon $ 40 per person PLEASE RESERVE BY APRIL 15 Directions: From The West: (S.F./Oakland area): Take HWY 24 toward Walnut Creek, go through the Caldecott Tunnel and exit at Orinda. At bottom of ramp, turn left onto Camino Pablo. At second stoplight, turn right onto Camino Sobrante. Pass Safeway, cross over Orinda Way and bear left up the hill (stay on Camino Sobrante) – it will dead end at “El Ribero”; Lake Cascade will be in front of you. Turn left, pass tennis courts on your right. Turn left at stop sign into the Clubhouse parking lot. From The East: (Concord/San Jose Area): Take HWY 24, exit at Orinda; bear right toward Orinda Village. At bottom of ramp turn right onto Camino Pablo. At the second stoplight, turn right onto Camino Sobrante. Pass Safeway, cross over Orinda Way and bear left up the hill (still on Camino Sobrante) – it will dead end at “El Ribero”; Lake Cascade will be in front of you. Turn left, pass tennis courts on your right. Turn left at stop sign into the Clubhouse parking lot. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Number of guests _____ at $40 per person = total of check $ _________ Please make check(s) payable to Children’s Hospital Branches, Inc. or CHB, Inc. and mail to: CHB, Inc. 5700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way T-2, Oakland, CA 94609 Direct questions to the Branch Office: (510) 428-3355 / [email protected] Name _________________________________Branch __________________Phone ________________ ______ I require a vegetarian meal Please seat me with: Family House: Always needed are paper (not styrofoam) plates which can go in the microwave, individual toiletries, individual cereal boxes, paper goods. Also, those wonderful and handy gift cards to Trader Joes, Safeway and Costco - all denominations gratefully accepted! 5222 Dover Street Oakland, CA 94609. A special thanks to all of you who remembered us during the holidays - what a joy! Rowan’s 24th Annual Gala Rowan Branch held its 24th annual gala in October, raising over $200,000 for the hospital. With “Moonlight and Martini’s” as its theme, the ice-vodka sculpture received plenty of attention! Many thanks to (its continued dedication in) McKesson Foundation, our lead sponsor, for helping to make our event so successful every year! In Memoriam Wini Buss of Live Oak Branch passed on October 2, 2012 after a brief illness. As her Branch buddies can attest, Wini was involved deeply in all phases of Live Oak and being an ambassador of the hospital. She is survived by her four children. Sandra Humphries 1945 - 2012 Sandra was a long-time member of the Children’s Hospital Teak Branch and Chair of the Board of the Children’s Hospital Family House. She was known for her kindness, strength, generosity and Madeline Kahn-like sense of humor. Sandy is survived by her two children, three grandchildren, sister, brother, mother and partner, Marc Ericson. Wini Buss 1937 - 2012 Lombardy Members - 2012 Back Row l-r: Wendy Dunn, Ellen Davis, Andrea Restrepo, Debie Lomas, Tili Tasker, Betsy Fraser, Susan Wisk, Betsy Fraiser, Erika Odell, Katie Kosturas, Trisha Axelrode, Stephanie Catron, Sara Nelson, Clare McDonald, Julie Davidson, Sharon Hillstrom, Carolyn Stenovec, Pam Pauletich, Barb Boster Seated l-r: Denae Reath, Nancy Maravin, Kathy Valcke, Susan Candel, Ann Healy, Sheila Wendt, Carol West, Meg Pauletich, Cheryl Tyler, Laurel Browman, Joy Deveny Not pictured: Kami Davis, Margie Hyman, Margaret Schultz, Lisa Steele, Cathy Stein, Roberta Tanner Save the Date for Lombardy’s Spring Event featuring Kate Spade New York fashions! Children’s Hospital Branches, Inc. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1983 OAKLAND, CA @ CHORI Campus 5700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way T-2 Oakland, CA 94609-1673 UP-COMING BRANCH EVENTS March 14, 2013 (Thursday) Kate Spade New York Fashion Show Lombardy April 10, 2013 (Wednesday) Helen Lyall Fashion Show “Retro!” Lilac 6:00pm Tickets: available after Feb 7 Reservations: Elizabeth Bunker [email protected] Orinda Country Club 11:00 social; 12 Noon - luncheon followed by fashions of helen lyall Price: $70/person Reservations: [email protected] Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfield 11:00am - social; 12 Noon - lunch and program Cost: $40/person April 24, 2013 (Wednesday) Annual Meeting & Volunteer All Branch Recognition Luncheon Orinda Country Club, Orinda RSVP: Branch Office (510) 428-3355 [email protected] May 6, 2013 (Monday) Shopping Spree Rowan May 11, 2013 (Saturday) Bridge/Whist Luncheon Cacao 10:00 - 12:00 shopping; 12:00 Noon lunch followed by more shopping - new vendors and returning favorites Cost: $75/person Roundhill Country Club, Alamo 11:00am - social; 12 Noon - lunch raffle, silent and live auctions 2:00pm - card games Price: $50/person Reservations: Nia Blakeney (510) 547-3686 May 18, 2013 (Saturday) An annual event benefiting Children’s Hospital Oakland and featuring NY Times best-selling authors and KFOG recording artists; Notes & Words promises an intimate and inspiring evening of spoken word and original music www.notesandwords.org Hilton Garden Inn, Emeryville Fox Theater in Oakland 1807 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA Foundation