(LOS ANGELES, CA) The Los Angeles County charity Hillsides has selected podcast host and popular social media personality Susan Pinsky as the chair of its annual gala. The gala, “A Celebration of Art,” will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena.
“I am deeply honored to be this year’s chair,” said Pinsky, who is married to radio and TV celebrity Dr. Drew Pinsky. “My husband and I have been committed to Hillsides for over 10 years. Hillsides is second to none in providing a wide array of crucial resources and programs to children and families in need of support and compassion, and this leadership role is a wonderful opportunity to show my commitment.” Previously, Pinsky chaired Hillsides 2013 Foster Soles event, where celebrities donate items that are auctioned off on-line to benefit the agency. In 2012, she and her family were honored with a Hillsides’ Angel award for extraordinary service and dedication to Hillsides.
Pinsky selected “A Celebration of Art” as this year’s theme to acknowledge that at its heart, Hillsides is an artist. “Hillsides shapes children’s potential and nurtures their well-being,” said Pinsky. “Here, the children are able to discover the ‘art’ of living happily free from pain and trauma.”
The theme also recognizes that Hillsides helps children turn their lives around through creative endeavors. “Art and music are essential tools Hillsides uses to help children express feelings they can’t express into words,” said Joseph M. Costa, Hillsides chief executive officer. “In addition, many children for the first time feel good about themselves through drawing, painting, or making music.”
Hillsides 2014 gala features fine dining, dancing, and a silent and live auction. During the live auction, emceed by NBC4 weatherman Fritz Coleman, guests can bid on spectacular items such as a romantic eight-day cruise along the Danube for two with Viking River Cruises, a New York City package, fine art from some of the most talented local artists, a guitar autographed by “Heart” band member Nancy Wilson, a dinner for 10 prepared by renowned Patina chef Joachim Splichal at his home, a cooking class and dinner for 10 at Bistro 45, a stunning pair of 14k white gold dangle earrings with prong-set diamonds and two Tahitian black pearls from Barbara Poer Designs, and a hand-carved mammoth ivory angel wing pendent with reclaimed vintage diamonds set on 18k gold and sterling silver with a chain of faceted pyrite beads by Sylva & Cie.
The evening’s sponsors include Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers, Don and Sally Clark, Beth Gertmenian, Linda and Stephen Gill, The Havner Family Foundation, Jacob Maarse Florists – Clara Maarse and Hank Maarse, Kaiser Permanente, Susan and Bill Noce, Paul Rusnak- Rusnak Auto Group, Swanton Family Foundation, Sherm and Marge Telleen, Wells Fargo Private Bank, Western Asset Management, and The Walt Disney Company, among others.
Pinsky has been married for over two decades to Dr. Drew, who is the radio host of “Loveline“ and host of both “Dr. Drew on Call“ on HLN and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” Her podcast, “Calling Out,” is available on Podcast One. She also has a fan base of thousands on Twitter, who know her as the First Lady of Love. In addition, Pinsky is the mother of college-age triplets.
“A Celebration of Art” is Hillsides biggest fundraiser of the year. Tickets are $300 per person, and sponsorships are also available. To attend or for more information on the gala, please contact Hillsides Director of Development, Carrie Espinoza, at 323-543-2800, ext. 121 or cespinoza@hillsides.org.
Headquartered in Pasadena, Hillsides is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families living in Los Angeles. The annual gala raises funds needed to create lasting change in the lives of children in crisis. For more information on Hillsides, please visit www.hillsides.org.
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CONTACT: Marisol Barrios
Office: (323) 543-2800 ext. 128
Cell 310 713-8567
E-mail: mbarrios@hillsides.org
