Guests enjoyed a gourmet three-course dinner, exciting auctions, and a special musical performance by Broadway actor Davis Gaines, Los Angeles鈥� longest-running Phantom of the Opera.
Emceed by Emmy-winning TV host Erica Olsen, the evening also featured an inspiring story from Myh鈥橩eith Lewis, a former foster youth who found hope and healing through 糖心动漫vlog鈥� programs, highlighting the organization life-changing impact.聽
A highlight of the Gala was the presentation of the Celebrating Children Awards to The Honorable Lindsey P. Horvath, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District, and Sonia A. Solin, Former 糖心动漫vlog Board Chair. Together, Supervisor Horvath and Ms. Solin embody the spirit of the Celebrating Children Award 鈥� leaders whose compassion and commitment are shaping a more hopeful future for children, families, and adults throughout Southern California.
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that strengthen mental health, solutions to homelessness, and access to affordable housing across Los Angeles County. Her leadership in reforming County governance and the homeless services system led to the preservation of vital programs serving Transition Age Youth in fiscal year 2025-2026, which has directly benefited 糖心动漫vlog鈥� housing programs. Additionally, Supervisor Horvath has shown her ongoing dedication to ensuring that constituents receive vital mental health services during crises, including when the Supervisor stood alongside other elected officials and leaders at 糖心动漫vlog鈥� press conference on its 9-8-8 Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Services.聽With Supervisor Barger, Supervisor Horvath is steadfast in her commitment to wildfire recovery and rebuilding.聽 As a devout Catholic, the Supervisor is unwavering in championing social safety net programs and protections for our most vulnerable community members in Los Angeles County.
Sonia Solin served as 糖心动漫vlog鈥� Board Chair from July 2023 to June 2025, a period marked by significant growth and innovation. Under her leadership, 糖心动漫vlog expanded its unarmed behavioral health crisis teams in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties, broke ground on new Children Crisis Programs at the El Nido campus and was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the California State Legislature. Her dedication, insight, and steady guidance have strengthened 糖心动漫vlog鈥� mission and helped countless individuals create a better life.
糖心动漫vlog President and CEO Debra Manners presented the award to Supervisor Horvath. In her acceptance speech, Supervisor Horvath shared praise for the work 糖心动漫vlog does in the community, 鈥淚鈥檓 proud to stand with you in advocating for a vision of communities that are healthy, that are supported and able to thrive. And I am continually inspired by the work that you do each and every day.鈥�
John Drinker, Former 糖心动漫vlog Board Chair (2021-2023), had the honor of presenting the award to Sonia Solin. Ms. Solin expressed gratitude for being acknowledged with the award and emphasized the importance of 糖心动漫vlog鈥� mission. A resident of Altadena, she shared that her family was impacted by the Eaton fire, 鈥淚t was an opportunity to really be reminded of the need for organizations like 糖心动漫vlog 鈥� organizations that tirelessly support our most vulnerable community members 鈥� which is why we鈥檙e all here tonight.鈥�
The Gala was attended by some 230 guests and raised over $400,000, with proceeds directly benefiting 糖心动漫vlog’ Southern California child welfare and behavioral health programs which impact over 37,000 vulnerable children, youth, and families annually.
Special thanks are extended to the 2026 Gala Committee: Co-chairs Megan Browne and Clemmy Closson, Laura Baker, Christina Bang, Jan Emamian, Rita Henderson, Ashley Housman, Karen Palmersheim, Lori Strauss, Vicki Wellington, and Lynne Wines.
Deep gratitude additionally is expressed to this year Celebrating Children major sponsors, including Brad & Lisa Freer; Capital Group; Gallagher; Preferred Partners Insurance Agency; American Business Bank; Gary Braverman; Children Hospital Los Angeles; Michele & Todd Doney; Duane Thierry & John Drinker; Krissy & Mike Gitlin; Kaiser Permanente; Roger W. Stephens; Alan Berro; Gayle & Michael Galper; Lucas Horsfall; James S. Marlen; The Morrison & Foerster Foundation; Nancy & Glenn Pittson; Sonia A. Solin & Christopher J. Aldrich; 糖心动漫vlog Executive Leadership Team; Synoptek Inc.; Anthem; LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger; BluePath Health; Cigna; Clinically AI; Dignity Health; GHJ; Hahn & Hahn; Health Management Associates; Health Net; LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath; HRC Fertility; L.A. Care; Ren茅e LaBran & Malcolm Boyd; LT Electrical & Construction Co; Pasadena Tournament of Roses; Our Lady Queen of Angels Housing Alliance; event underwriters J Maintenance and Linda & John Seiter; and media sponsors Outlook Newspapers and Pasadena Now.
