In less than three weeks is Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley’s first virtual gala, with excitement building among supporters, staff and volunteers, according to the organization. This year, CSC is celebrating 30 years of providing support, education and hope to families facing cancer in the Greater San Gabriel Valley. “A Night in Emerald City” 30th anniversary gala will be on Saturday, July 11.
Since its founding in 1990, CSC has served more than 21,000 women, men and children. These individuals have made more than 200,000 visits to CSC’s free programs, with CSC providing 292,000-plus service hours, including support groups and educational workshops.
“Our team knew it was important to move forward and raise awareness and critical funds for the people we serve who are facing cancer,” said Patricia Ostiller, CSC’s executive director. “And while a virtual gala is new territory for us and other nonprofits in town, we’re pretty excited about what we have in store for the community on July 11.”
Co-chairs Ellen Driscoll, Sandy Kobeissi and Bill Ukropina will kick off the event. Viewers will be treated to special guest appearances and other entertainment. CSC will also be celebrating five honorees at this anniversary gala: individual honorees Rosemari Annear and Charlotte Streng (and her late husband, Dr. Joel Streng); corporate honorees Bistro 45/Deborah and Robert Simon and Sharp Seating/Sindee and Steve Riboli; and health-care honoree City of Hope/Dr. Steve Rosen.
“We’re already seeing our supporters rise to the occasion to help,” said Kim Ferreira, CSC’s events manager. “Our board members, committee volunteers, families and friends are already forming ‘virtual tables’ and inviting others in their network to join in the fun beginning July 8, with our gala livestreaming on July 11 at 7 p.m.”
CSC also recognizes the following honorary chairpersons for their steadfast support of CSC, many of whom have supported Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley (formerly the Wellness Community) since its inception: Liz Rusnak Arizmendi, Anne and Peter Kennedy, Alice and Loren Brodhead, Suzanne and Brian Gilman, Ellen and Harvey Knell, Conchita and Jim O’Kane, Rary Simmons, and Robin and Ben Stafford.