Starry Starry Night: Five Acres Annual Gala 2022

Image of two pines with twinkling lights and the words that read Five Acres Annual Gala Starry Starry Night

We’re excited to announce “Starry Starry Night: Five Acres Annual Gala” will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at a private estate in Pasadena!

Children in foster care wish on a star to belong in a loving and permanent family. For nearly 134 years, Five Acres has committed to ensuring that every child’s wish to have a loving, permanent family of their own be fulfilled.

Co-chairing the Five Acres annual gala are Trish Gonzales and Nicole Rasic, who have been longtime supporters and part of our Five Acres family. Inspired by brilliant stars, wishes, and dreams, guests will experience the love and support for over 30,000 children in the Los Angeles County foster care system wishing to be part of permanent families. The festivities will take place outdoors at a private estate, where guests will drink champagne poolside, taking in the views of the Arroyo and dine under the stars on a luxurious lawn. Guests will enjoy an evening with gourmet food, cocktails, an auction, and live entertainment by Past Action Heroes, an 80s and 90s cover band.

make your ticket reservations today!

Cover of the Five Acres Starry Starry Night Annual Gala invitation
Click the image to view the gala invitation
2022 Gala Ticket Prices
Table of 10

Click here to complete the fillable RSVP form.  Please email the completed form to Brandon Ito at Bito@5acres.org.

Image of a Starry Starry Night with twinkling lights and the words that read Support Our Event

Become a sponsor

Download the PDF

Please call Brandon Ito, Associate Development Director, at 626.798.6793 ext. 2250 for credit card payment of sponsorships above $10,001 as PayPal payments are limited to $10,000 per transaction.

To select the sponsor or underwriting level you would like to make, click and scroll the menu bar below then add to cart. Please follow the instructions on the screen.
Sponsorship Options
Underwriting Options

Thank you to our sponsors!

Silver sponsors and technology sponsors listed for Five Acres annual gala

Silver Star: Stephen and Chantal Bennett & Dr. Annette Ermshar & Associates, Specialized Psychological Services; Kirsten L. Hansen; Richard A. McDonald, Esq.; Technology Star: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.; Carol Alexis Chen and Winston & Strawn LLP; Celeste and Samuel Liversidge; Blue Star: James Avedikian; East West Bank; LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger; Deka Law Group; Hahn & Hahn; Sue McGuirl and Bob Musselman; Mariann and Tom Nolan; John Palacio & Nicole Rasic; Tucker Ellis, LLP; Union Bank; Pink Star: Mimi and Paul Carter; Gamble Jones Investment Counsel; Trish and Mike Gonzales; David and Laura Quigg; Grace and Ken Russak; Chris and Steve Selak; and White Star: Jay and Meta Berger; Jacob and Genevieve Fakoory; Donald and Taylor Hall; Harrington Group; Johnny Was; Debi and Scott Kroman; Longo Toyota-Longo Lexus; Matt McIntyre and Garrett Collins; Jason and Billie Melillo; Pasadena Tournament of Roses; Julie Rosenthal; and Eisanne and Marcus Tanimoto. 

Also, we’d like to thank our underwriters: Helen and Will Webster for Dining Under the Stars; Beth Fishbein Hansen for Green Lawn Reception; Kris Ordaz for Rock Star Entertainment; Anita Yagjian for Champagne at the Pool; Michele Boghossian for Dazzling Desserts;  Harrington Group, Carolyn G. Adams, and Avon Studio Transportation for Children’s Canopy of Wishes; Eisanne and Marcus Tanimoto for Super Star Volunteer or Staff Meals; Marisol Barrios Perez, Mission Driven PR, and Zeenat Thiara for Star Goblets; Bob Smith Toyota | Mike and Peter Smith for Twinkle Bars; and Luxury Flush, LLC.  Thanks to our media sponsors: Outlook Newspapers and Pasadena Now.

Held during National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month in May, all proceeds will advance our mission of promoting safety, well-being, and permanency to more than 7,000 children and families.

Health & Safety Statement

Five Acres and our residence partner will follow all public health guidelines associated with operating an outdoor fundraising gala event. Five Acres will post on the event webpage and send any needed safety measures to all guests prior to the event.

This event is subject to change. Please consider underwriting your support if an in-person event is not possible due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. 

Click here to complete the fillable RSVP form.  Please email completed form to Brandon Ito at Bito@5acres.org

Make a Gift Tax-Free With An IRA

A Tax-Saving Way to Help Five Acres

If you are over the age of 70 ½ and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), then a gift from your account may provide the most significant tax savings of any charitable contribution.

A Special Opportunity for Those 70½ Years Old and Older to Help Five Acres

You can give up to $100,000 per year from your IRA. The gift must go directly to a qualified charity such as Five Acres without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of any value of $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing that you are making a significant impact. This popular gift option is commonly called the IRA charitable rollover, but you may also see it referred to as a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD for short.

Make a difference today by helping the children and families served by Five Acres and save on taxes. It’s possible when you support Five Acres through your IRA.

Special Note: Please note while you are eligible to make this gift starting at 70 ½, the required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA is again in force for 2021 for individuals aged 72 and older. Please consult with your tax adviser and consider supporting Five Acres today!

2021 Holiday Appeal

 

Please help the children of Five Acres shine bright this holiday season!

This has been quite a year.  2021 brought challenges of a new federal reform to programs serving foster youth while continuing to manage the obstacles of a pandemic.  We pivoted quickly and Five Acres was the first in the state to convert our residential program to meet the new federal guidelines and to help create a path for other providers.  Despite these challenges, we’ve all been working hard to make sure one thing has not changed – our mission to the children, keeping them safe – and well and happy!  And with it, hope.  The holidays are here and we are bound and determined to bring them the holiday and joy every child deserves and needs, especially this year. 

We are looking forward to a brighter 2022 – but are grateful for your support in 2021. 

 

Giving Tuesday 2021

Words to support Five Acres Therapeutic Play on November 30, 2021, which is Giving Tuesday

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we continue to live with the stresses of COVID-19, therapeutic play for the children in our care is more important than ever. Therapeutic play activities help children recover from trauma, relieve stress and anxiety, promote physical and emotional well-being, and foster healthy development.

Please join us this Giving Tuesday by supporting Therapeutic Play at Five Acres for children in residential care. Your donation will help us reach our $20,000 goal and fund resources and activities such as:

  • Playground equipment and mulch to keep our outdoor play spaces safe and updated
  • On-site pop-up petting zoo visits
  • Sports equipment and outdoor games for our large, grassy play space and sports court
  • Supplies for outdoor arts & crafts and gardening activities
  • Paddleboards, pool floats, and toys for safe aquatic therapy and pool fun

Three photos of children playing in outdoor games, on playground equipment and swimming

We are thrilled to have received a $10,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation to support therapeutic play at Five Acres! Please help us double the impact and reach our $20,000 goal by donating today.

US Bank Foundation logo

Donate today to support Five Acres Therapeutic Play!

 

Five Acres 33rd Annual Golf Classic Takes Guests Through an ‘80s Journey to Support Children in Foster Care and Families in Need

The event took place on Monday, Sept. 20 at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena, Calif.

  • (From left to right) Joey Reaume, golf event co-chair, Five Acres CEO Chanel Boutakidis, Five Acres Board Chair Sue McGuirl, and Danny Reaume, golf event co-chair.
    (From left to right) Joey Reaume, golf event co-chair, Five Acres CEO Chanel Boutakidis, Five Acres Board Chair Sue McGuirl, and Danny Reaume, golf event co-chair. | Photo credit Diamond Dust Photography

(ALTADENA, Calif.) Sept. 27, 2021— Five Acres hosted its Don’t Stop Believin’ 33rd Annual Golf Classic, led by Co-chairs Danny Reaume and Joey Reaume, on Monday, Sept. 20 at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena, Calif. The golf tournament and dining event, which is the nonprofit’s first event of the year, was ‘80s themed and raised money for critical services that support more than 9,000 children in foster care and families in Los Angeles County.

Brothers Danny Reaume, senior vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle, and Joey Reaume, first vice president at Colliers International, who have been officially part of the Five Acres Golf committee for more than five years and third year as co-chairs led this year’s retro-themed fundraiser. They encouraged 116 golfers to come out and tee off for charity while additional guests joined in the evening.

“We are proud to be associated with an organization like Five Acres that provides safety for children in foster care, especially during a pandemic,” Five Acres Golf Classic Co-Chairs Danny and Joey Reaume. “We grew up knowing about the organization as our dad has been heavily involved since we were young children. We couldn’t think of a better mission to support.”

The Don’t Stop Believin’ golf tournament and dinner was a family affair for the Reaumes, who were introduced by their father, Brad Reaume, executive vice president of Bolton & Company, the title sponsor of the golf classic, as well as former Tournament Chair and current committee member.

An ode to iconic rock band Journey, the golf committee purposefully chose their signature song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Its lyrics are words of encouragement that Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain’s father told him while struggling to make it in Hollywood. The title and refrain of the song are also encouraging words for what many children, families and individuals have experienced during the pandemic. Setting the mood for this evening affair was a DeLorean car, which was the model used in the blockbuster hit, “Back to the Future.” The 80z All-Stars band sang the classic songs of this decade, bringing additional fun to what was an already uplifting celebration.

Guest bid on live auction packages that included a 2-day trip for 4 at a private duck hunting club; a Santa Anita box with a $1,000 food and beverage credit; 4 golf outings to Oakmont, Sherwood, Lakeside, and Bel Air Country Clubs; an Annandale wine dinner with featured wine connoisseur, Karl Curran, founder of Charlemagne, a 2-night escape to the Langham Hotel in Lanai accommodations with breakfast for 2 and more; 2 suite tickets to a UCLA football game of your choice for the 2021 season at Rose Bowl Stadium; and an LA experience comprised of tickets to USC, Dodger and NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

“We couldn’t have been happier with the turn out for this year’s golf classic,” said Five Acres Chief Advancement Officer Jennifer Berger, who acknowledges that the theme has been a mantra for the team. “We are grateful for Danny and Joey Reaume’s help in raising critical funds to support foster care children in Los Angeles County. We are also thankful for our sponsors, underwriters, and the golf committee who have continued to support us after what has been extraordinary times. They have been a testament to our Don’t Stop Believin’ mantra.”

Since its origins, the Five Acres Golf Classic has raised more than $4 million in critical funds supporting foster care, adoption and mental health services for kids and families in crisis in Los Angeles.

Both the tournament and the evening event were held outside on Sept. 20. Together, Five Acres and Annandale Golf Club followed all public health safety guidelines associated with operating a golf tournament and dining event during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event’s program included a round of golf for day participants followed in the evening by an awards ceremony, live ‘80s band, tasty libations, a gourmet Mediterranean feast, a live auction and silent auction. Guests donned their best ‘80s attire as the golf committee turned back the clock to cheerier times.

Key sponsors of Five Acres’ 33rd Annual Golf Classic included: Bolton & Company/Brad Reaume, The Berns Team-Keller Williams Realty/Jason and Laura Berns, Fitness 19, Bob and Nicole Rodger, US Bank, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Stephen and Chantal Bennett, William R. & Virginia Hayden Foundation, John Reitnouer / D.A. Davidson Companies, Lance and Amy Polverini, Richard A. McDonald, Esq. Of Counsel, Carlson & Nicholas, LLP., and Guillermo Olaiz, Rustin and Paola Mork, Reaume Richardson, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Cheryl & Craig Stewart and Laura & David Quigg, Lee & Associates – Pasadena, John Berger, 1st Century, Ryan Dietz, Christine V. Selak, Excelsior Partners, LLC, Morgan Adams Inc., LifeSource Water, Kenneth R. Sabbag, MD, Lionsgate Television, Merrill: A Bank of America Company/The Tanabe, McMahon, Tanimoto, Farmer & Holcher Group, Krost CPAs & Consultants, Dart Entities & Dedeaux Properties, Rey-Crest Roofing & Waterproofing Co., The Botsford Group – Compass, Colliers International, Jones Lang LaSalle, Dennis Duran and Lori Sandoval, Pango Group, Rose Bowl Stadium, Mark and Terri Forbes, Sue McGuirl and Bob Musselman, Angeles National Wealth Advisors, Harrington Group,  Elena Yau, Michael Stawn, Paul and Linda Maurin, Vigen Valijan, Salsaology, and Angelus Block Co, Inc. Underwriters include: Majestic Realty Co., Ed Roski, Jr. and Bill Hayden for dinner, Roncelli Plastics, Inc. for golf carts, Daniel & Sarah Rothenberg for swag, and Craig and Cheryl Stewart for 19th Hole.

This year’s golf committee members included Joey Angiuli, Jennifer Berger, John Berger, Jason Berns, Kevin Botsford, Travis Buhl, Anthony Cannizzo, Brian Dennis, Ryan Dietz, Bill Hayden, Chris Hoshek, Brandon Ito, Craig Missakian, Rustin Mork, Nick Mosaquites, Will Nash, Guillermo Olaiz, Lance Polverini, Brad Reaume, Bob Rodger, Craig Stewart, Scott Street, and J.J. Tebo.

For more information on Five Acres and its critical community services, visit 5acres.org.

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About Five Acres

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving more than 9,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

Media Contact:

Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR, Mission Driven PR, Inc. 310-713-8567 | marisol@missiondrivenpr.com

Five Acres Announces its 33rd Annual Golf Classic Co-Chairs

Event to be held on September 20 at Annandale Golf Club

ALTADENA, Calif., July 29, 2021— Five Acres announces its Don’t Stop Believin’ 33rd Annual Golf Classic led by Co-chairs Danny Reaume and Joey Reaume. The ‘80s themed golf tournament and dining event, will take place at the Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena on September 20.

Brothers Danny Reaume, senior vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle, and Joey Reaume, first vice president at Colliers International, have been officially part of the Five Acres Golf committee for more than five years and third year as co-chairs but have been a part of Five Acres and the golf tournament for many years prior. This event is a family affair for the Reaumes, who were introduced by their father, Brad Reaume, executive vice president of Bolton & Company, the title sponsor of the golf classic, as well as former Tournament Chair and current committee member.

An ode to iconic rock band, Journey, the golf committee purposefully chose their signature song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Its lyrics are words of encouragement that Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain’s father told him while struggling to make it in Hollywood. The title and refrain of the song are also encouraging words for what many children, families and individuals have experienced during the pandemic.

“We are thrilled to celebrate with our Five Acres family and friends at this much-anticipated event with Danny and Joey leading the tee off,” said Five Acres Chief Advancement Officer Jennifer Berger, who acknowledges that the theme has been a mantra for the team. “We’re also thankful for our sponsors and underwriters who have continued to support us after what has been extraordinary times. They have been a testament to our Don’t Stop Believin’ mantra.”

Since its origins, the Five Acres Golf Classic has raised more than $4 million in critical funds supporting foster care, adoption and mental health services for kids and families in crisis in Los Angeles.

Both the tournament and the evening event will be held outside. Guests can be assured that Five Acres and Annandale Golf Club will follow all public health guidelines associated with operating a golf tournament and dining event. The event’s program includes a round of golf for day participants followed in the evening with an awards ceremony, live ‘80s band, tasty libations, a gourmet feast, and auction. Guests are encouraged to come in their best ‘80s attire as the golf committee turns back the clock at this event.

Key sponsors include: The Berns Team-Keller Williams Realty/Jason and Laura Berns, Fitness 19, Bob and Nicole Rodger, US Bank, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Stephen and Chantal Bennett, William R. & Virginia Hayden Foundation, John Reitnouer / D.A. Davidson Companies, Lance and Amy Polverini, Richard A. McDonald, Esq. Of Counsel, Carlson & Nicholas, LLP., and Guillermo Olaiz, Reaume Richardson, Cheryl & Craig Stewart and Laura & David Quigg, Lee & Associates – Pasadena, John Berger, Rustin and Paola Mork, 1st Century, Ryan Dietz, Christine V. Selak, Excelsior Partners, LLC, LifeSource Water, Krost CPAs & Consultants, Dart Entities & Dedeaux Properties, Rey-Crest Roofing & Waterproofing Co., The Botsford Group – Compass, Colliers International, Jones Lang LaSalle, Dennis Duran and Lori Sandoval, and Sue McGuirl and Bob Musselman. Underwriters include: Majestic Realty Co., Ed Roski, Jr. and Bill Hayden for dinner, Roncelli Plastics, Inc. for golf carts, Daniel & Sarah Rothenberg for swag, and Craig and Cheryl Stewart for 19th Hole.

This year’s golf committee members include Joey Angiuli, Jennifer Berger, John Berger, Jason Berns, Kevin Botsford, Travis Buhl, Anthony Cannizzo, Brian Dennis, Ryan Dietz, Bill Hayden, Chris Hoshek, Brandon Ito, Craig Missakian, Rustin Mork, Nick Mosaquites, Will Nash, Guillermo Olaiz, Lance Polverini, Brad Reaume, Bob Rodger, Craig Stewart, Scott Street, and J.J. Tebo.

Sponsorships range from $20,000 to $500. Dinner tickets are $150. To sponsor, underwrite or attend this event, visit 5acres.org.

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About Five Acres

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving more than 9,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

Media Contact:

Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR, Mission Driven PR, Inc.

310-713-8567 | marisol@missiondrivenpr.com

Five Acres and Carbon Health Partner to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine to Children in Foster Care

ALTADENA, Calif., July 7, 2021 — Five Acres, an Altadena-based children’s foster care agency, and Carbon Health, a leading technology-enabled healthcare provider, announced a new COVID-19 vaccination event on its premises for eligible children in foster care.

During the pandemic, many children experienced isolation, instability, and anxiety and for children in foster care, those feelings may feel compounded, as their permanent safety and stability may be impacted. Families have been afraid to take children into their homes because they are unable to understand the amount of COVID-19 exposure that child has had. In 2020, the number of children in foster care in Los Angeles County increased to 21,876, a 3.5% increase since the prior year.

“Today, there is renewed hope for children in foster care who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Rachel McClements, Chief Operating Officer of Five Acres. “During the pandemic, Five Acres continued to provide basic essentials, such as safe homes, support, COVID-19 testing and PPE, along with the well-being and mental health of the children and families in our care. And now, we are excited to partner with Carbon Health to continue that work and bring the vaccine directly to our eligible children in foster care. The vaccine provides families and foster children a sense of permanency, security, safety, and well-being, opening new opportunities for foster and adoption placements.”

“Carbon Health’s mission is to make high-quality healthcare accessible to everyone, especially underserved communities like foster care children. Often, that means meeting people where they are, whether at a community center or at an agency like Five Acres,” said Dr. Sujal Mandavia, Chief Medical Officer of Carbon Health. “Including our partnership with the City of Los Angeles, Carbon Health has played a key role in administering more than 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccines, and we are proud to partner with Five Acres to bring this life-saving healthcare to their foster care community.” While administering the vaccine, Five Acres and Carbon Health have personalized the experience to the needs of the children in foster care to make them feel comfortable and taken care of. Extra efforts to get kids excited about the vaccine included an onsite petting zoo and longer vaccination windows to make the youth feel comfortable and not rushed.

One youth waiting his turn was excited to get his vaccine, asking, “When is it my turn?”

These vaccinated children have a greater sense of hope and personal safety as they are able to be fostered, adopted, or rejoined with their biological families. Families can also now be assured their foster and adopted children are protected from COVID-19, opening up more opportunities to provide kids stability.

To learn how you can become a foster parent or be certified to be an adoptive parent, visit https://Five Acres.org/foster-care/.

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About Five Acres 

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving more than 9,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

About Carbon Health 

Carbon Health is a leading national healthcare provider with a mission to bring high-quality healthcare to everyone. Leveraging its unique technology platform, Carbon Health provides its patients with omnichannel care: seamless care from the same trusted providers at a wide variety of access points, including clinics, mini health clinics, video, the Carbon Health app, and on-site at their employers. Carbon Health also provides value-based care to enterprise partners across a broad range of industries, including academia, sports, entertainment, biotechnology, and travel.

Carbon Health is headquartered in San Francisco and provides both in-person and virtual care access to nearly two-thirds of the U.S. Founded in 2015, Carbon Health is backed by Dragoneer Investment Group, Brookfield Technology Partners (BTP), DCVC, and Builders VC. To access Carbon Health, download the app (iTunes or Google Play) or visit carbonhealth.com.

Media Contacts: 

Five Acres: Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR

310-713-8567

marisol@missiondrivenpr.com

 

Carbon Health: Lindsey Whitehouse

carbonhealth@thehatchagency.com

  • Five Acres and Carbon Health Teams take a moment to commemorate this milestone event
  • Therese Gondek, a registered nurse for Carbon Health, administers the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to a child in foster care living at Five Acres residential campus

Five Acres Foster Care High School Graduate Receives $48,000 Scholarship to Lakeland University in Wisconsin

ALTADENA, Calif., June 18, 2021— Five Acres resident Josiah Boyd, 18, who has been in foster care since he was nine years old, has received a $48,000 scholarship to Lakeland University in Wisconsin. Boyd came to Five Acres in 2016 as a resident of its residential program on the main campus in Altadena.

“I was surprised and happy,” said Boyd about when he received a letter in the mail from the university notifying him of his acceptance and scholarship.

June is typically a month where youth who are 18 years old or are graduating from high school are emancipated from the foster care system. The month of June can oftentimes be scary to young adults navigating their way through life, but Five Acres prepares teens in foster care by offering extended support in its group home, Solita, which is part of its Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP).

Serving children who cannot be served at home or in a suitable family setting, Five Acres’ residential program provides intensive, temporary out-of-home care and therapeutic services for children and their families. The charity’s residential cottages provide a safe, supervised space to restore balance to children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect.

Having experienced problems with his family, Boyd was moved to Five Acres. Early on, Boyd set his sights on moving to Five Acres group home, Solita. Residential staff focus on independent living for the teen boys, aged 13 to 18, who live in the home to develop skills for when they leave the foster care system.

Boyd worked hard to attend John Muir High School and achieved his goal once he transitioned to Solita. Boyd’s plan was never to remain at Solita during his high school years, but after several unsuccessful attempts to return to family members and stay local to remain at his high school, Boyd made the decision to remain in Pasadena. He focused on playing offensive and defensive line on the football team at John Muir High School and graduating.

“[Five Acres] helped me become more responsible. They helped me to take accountability for my actions and taught me to control my anger,” said Boyd, who is happy to move on to the next stepping stone to get a higher education.

Having learned about Lakeland University in Wisconsin from his football coach, Boyd applied. To his surprise, he earned a $48,000 scholarship to the university. Boyd will be attending Lakeland University in the Fall where he will play for the university’s football team and major in psychology.

“I always wanted to learn about the human brain and how we make our decisions,” said Boyd, who will get an opportunity to explore this topic at the university.

While Boyd will be emancipating this month, he can be assured that Five Acres will continue to be a part of his extended family as he goes to college.

To learn more about Five Acres, visit 5acres.org.

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About Five Acres

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving more than 9,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

Media Contact:

Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR, Mission Driven PR, Inc.

310-713-8567 | marisol@missiondrivenpr.com

 

Josiah Boyd has graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena and received a $48,000 scholarship to attend Lakeland University in Wisconsin.
Josiah Boyd has graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena and received a $48,000 scholarship to attend Lakeland University in Wisconsin.

Five Acres Launches HOPE IS HERE Campaign

HOPE IS HERE Campaign cover with a little girl smiling

ALTADENA, Calif., May 28, 2021—These past 15 months during the pandemic, many children, families, and individuals experienced unexpected life events that have pushed some of them to their limits. For Five Acres that also meant postponing two galas, making the health and safety of their staff and guests the priority. To replace critically needed funds that would normally be raised at the charity’s gala, Five Acres will launch its HOPE IS HERE Campaign online on June 1 through June 16.

“We rely on events to support our programs and services that help more than 9,000 children and families annually,” said Five Acres Chief Advancement Officer Jennifer Berger, who has worked with Five Acres Board Members Don Boline and Mimi Carter and their campaign committee to reimagine how much-needed funds can be raised to continue helping additional children and families.

“This pandemic has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable in our society. We are so proud of our Five Acres team members who have worked tirelessly and heroically to care for thousands impacted this past year,” said Carter. “Your support of Five Acres’ critical programs including foster care, adoption, therapeutic residential care, mental health care for at-risk families, and especially our telehealth initiatives launched in 2020 can help stem the tide of children entering the foster care system.”

When the safer-at-home order was announced in March 2020, Five Acres within five days set up telehealth services to its clients. The charity’s rehabilitation and residential team also responded quickly by changing the children’s programming. Likewise, the facilities team hustled to convert one of the buildings to serve as a five-bed self-isolation unit, with the capacity to hold an additional 20 beds.

These operational and programming changes incurred a financial cost to the charity.

For many nonprofits like Five Acres, events support the fundraising efforts of their programs and services. With the pandemic impacting the planning of in-person events and individuals being burned out of virtual events, the charity is reaching out to its donors and the public to bring hope to many children and families they serve by donating to this campaign.

“Your generosity can create real hope and impact by directly connecting children in need with safe, permanent families of their own,” said Boline, who also underwrote the printing of the campaign soundcards that will be mailed to leading contributors. “We hope you will help Five Acres transform what a home looks like for kids in Southern California.”

To support the Five Acres HOPE IS HERE campaign, underwritten by Concept Builders and Hahn & Hahn, visit https://5acres.org/hope-is-here/.

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About Five Acres

Since 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Serving more than 9,000 children and family members annually across six counties, Five Acres now strives for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in their care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for its programs and guide the steps as the agency develops even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.

Media Contact: Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR

310-713-8567

Marisol@missiondrivenpr.com

A Licensed Vocational Nurse Finds Time to Help Children in Foster Care

Genevieve Laguna (center) donates toys and pajamas for Five Acres’ holiday drive. With her are Brandon Ito and Stephanie Perez who work in the Five Acres Advancement Department. | Photo courtesy of Genevieve Laguna

Genevieve Laguna, a licensed vocational nurse, works tirelessly to keep people safe, healthy, and recover from surgeries. Overworked and exhausted, Genevieve still finds time to help others outside of the hospital.

Six years ago, her friend who lives down the street from Five Acres, a foster care and mental health charity in Altadena, was interested in volunteering and reached out to Genevieve to support a Christmas collection drive for the charity. Since then, Genevieve has committed to having a pajama clothes drive for the children living at Five Acres in time for Christmas Eve. Each year Five Acres children open their pajama gift, have hot cocoa, and enjoy a holiday movie.

“Like most people, I’ve gone through some very personal things in my life where I’ve been down and out, but instead of giving up, I’ve learned what it means to live in gratitude,” said Genevieve. “I am truly blessed and grateful for all that I have, what I have accomplished so far, and all that I have been able to overcome. But at the end of the day what truly matters is who I have lifted up, helped, and made better. It’s about what I have given back. If I can make a difference in one life, it matters.”

She asked doctors, nurses, other co-workers, family, and friends to contribute towards the Amazon wish list, pajama drive, and other seasonal drives for Five Acres. Despite the pandemic, they pulled their energy and resources to help children in need throughout the year. Feeling blessed, Genevieve feels it in her heart to continue helping Five Acres children, ensuring each one has their gifts and knows they are cared for.

Raised by a mother who has volunteered many years at church and still continues to volunteer now, Genevieve said, “by her example, she taught me to care for those around me, look past our differences, and give in any way I can of whatever I possess. To give is to love but to withhold is to wither. If I care less for what I have and more for how it is shared, my life will have meaning and my heart will have peace.”

Genevieve’s parochial education, both as a graduate of St. Lucy’s Priory High School in Glendora and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, shaped her life of service. Besides volunteering at Five Acres, she raises money for the Fontana Police K-9 Pals and donates blood to the American Red Cross.

Genevieve’s blood type makes her a donor for both plasma and platelets, which she donated for COVID-19 and cancer patients weekly when needed during the pandemic. As an incentive from the American Red Cross, they gave Amazon gift cards, which she collected for an entire year to purchase two bikes for Five Acres.

With a heart of gold, Genevieve’s compassion, kindness, and love extends beyond her bedside manners as a licensed vocational nurse.

Learn how you can donate or volunteer at Five Acres.