4 Women of Excellence + 1 Exceptional Man=150 Years of Advocacy

(Los Angeles, CA, April 2019) Board Chair, Laurie Konheim and event co-chair, Nancy Epstein welcomed a sold-out audience to the Beverly Wilshire on March 27, in order to celebrate W.O.E. 2019’s “Fab Five” and their boundless service to Vista Del Mar’s children of all circumstance and ability. In the last seven years, this annual gathering has raised in excess of 3.4 million dollars, devoted to the optimization of Vista’s nationally recognized Arts Enrichment and Therapeutic Programs and support services.

This year’s Women of Excellence honorees are remarkable people fueled by a sense of purpose, passion, compassion, and devotion to tireless advocacy. Vista’s 2019 Ruth Shuken Humanitarian Award recipients include: Jackie Dubin, Inez Gelfand, Gail Hershowitz, Ruthe Newmann and for the first-time an excellent man… Irv Cooper. Ruthe Newmann had additional cause for pride and celebration; her grandson John Newmann has landed the prized role of Han Solo in the forthcoming Star Wars spinoff.

Vista’s treasured Arts Enrichment students bestowed an extraordinary drum and musical performance on a grateful, entertained and engaged audience.

Surrounded by her beloved family, Visionary Award recipient, Linda Greller, spoke of the joy of decades of fundraising and volunteering as a mentor to Vista’s Baron School students. She thanked inspirational teachers Ms. Tammy and Ms. Kelley, in whose classrooms she continues to assist every Tuesday.

Inspired by esteemed V.P. Development and Marketing, Craig Prizant’s moving personal story reflecting on the import and impact of time and early remembrances shared with his family in the kitchen, making Challah and building traditions; Linda spoke of her Vista-Vision for 2019, which includes finding the means to build brand new kitchens for the children, who cherish collaborative experiences, making happy memories while cooking and thriving on campus.

Vista leadership including President and CEO, Nancy Tallerino, Craig Prizant, Devinn Reed, Lisa Barden, the Board of Directors and the Women of Excellence Luncheon Committee, extend their deepest gratitude to our sponsors and attendees of like heart, who gather annually to ensure that Vista’s children and families continue to flourish and enhance their communities throughout the course of their lifetimes.

Too, the Vista team wishes to acknowledge the fellows and members of LAB 2019 (Leadership Advisory Board), fueled and inspired by Director of Leadership Development, Naomi Salamon. Each has devoted precious time, resources, and love towards creating better tomorrows for those most in need. Thank you LAB Chair, Michael Polier and Vice Chair Boomer Welles for your work in building bridges that open minds and hearts; you are our future.

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, a Four-Star Charity Navigator rated organization, has cared for Los Angeles' most vulnerable children for over 100 years, providing a range of exceptional programs in education, mental health, autism, adoption, residential care, prevention and early intervention. Vista's programs are for children with social, emotional and behavioral challenges, wrapping love and support around the entire family. Vista Del Mar is a national role model in providing these specialized services and therapeutic treatment for children, and is one of Los Angeles' most prominent resources for children of the Autism spectrum. www.Vistadelmar.org