Turning Tears Into Smiles-Author Rose Nielsen speak on October 7

USC Trojan Affiliates, a philanthropic and social women’s group, of the University of Southern California invites alumni, parents, and friends to attend their upcoming meeting on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Mijares Restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena. The evening will feature Author Rose Nielsen speaking on “Turning Tears Into Smiles”.

Rose and her nine year old English Golden Retriever Blondie have worked far-and-wide to bring smiles and a feeling of love and support to the faces of those who need it most. They have worked at Huntington Hospital, various colleges, evacuation centers, libraries and now call Children’s Hospital Los Angeles home - even in this virtual world.

Rose states that the definition of dog therapy is Comfort, Smiles, Laughter, Hugs, and Lots of Shared Love. She and Blondie will bring you on a journey through their work - from funny and light-hearted moments with Blondie and her "husband" Luke (who wear tons of doggie costumes) to the emotional connection Blondie makes with the people she visits.

Blondie, who was “married” to her husband Luke in an Interfaith Chapel in Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, has her own book entitled "Blondie and the Hidden Treasure", written by Terry McKenzie and Rose Nielsen. All attendees will receive a copy of the book. Donations for receipt of the book are welcomed as Rose has set a goal to raise $140,000 for the dog therapy program. To date, approximately $131,000 has been donated for this vital program.

Ann Palmer, of Sierra Madre, recent recipient of a Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award and serving in her first term as Trojan Affiliates president, encourages women in the community to attend the October virtual meeting to become acquainted with the members of Trojan Affiliates. The members meet five times a year in the San Gabriel Valley and are educated by various USC professors and other well versed and interesting speakers. Members also donate their time to raise greatly needed funds for scholarships for worthy USC students. The organization awarded ten scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Volunteer opportunities have included selling USC products, volunteering at the Pasadena Showcase House, USC Day of Service, and more. Of course, the members also participate in a variety of social and cultural events and interface in numerous capacities with the University.

The formal purpose of this alumnae organization is to foster a spirit of friendship, loyalty, and cooperation with the University of Southern California, to develop and sustain a successful fundraising project in order to provide scholarships for USC students and contribute to the advancement of education.

If you would be interested in being a speaker at an upcoming Trojan Affiliates meeting, please contact Speaker Chairman, Jacqueline Goodman at jtgoodman@aol.com.

For further information regarding USC Trojan Affiliates and/or to make reservations for the program, at $35 per person for a Fajita Buffet, Dinner please contact Reservations Chairman, Sarah Sismondo by September 30th at (626) 303-7284 or sisarah@verizon.net.