Members of Las Candelas and their guests celebrated the holiday season in grand style at a private club in Pasadena on Sunday, Dec. 20. Surrounded by magnificently decorated Christmas trees and garlands, the group enjoyed a one-hour reception with cocktails and appetizers. The reception was followed by a formal three-course meal. The evening was the culmination to a busy and fulfilling year of serving emotionally challenged children in the area. Ellyn Semler, La Cañada resident and president of Las Candelas, thanked Social Chair Diane Russell for organizing the event and also thanked the members for their many service hours during the year.

In December, Las Candelas brought a “holiday store” to the children in the residential program at Hillsides Education Center in Pasadena. The students were able to do their holiday shopping with the points they had earned during the previous month for good behavior. Las Candelas women were on hand to guide them with their choices which included games, jewelry, stuffed animals and other age-related items. Each child was given a small gift from Las Candelas as they left the store.

At Hathaway-Sycamores in Altadena, the December activities provided by Las Candelas included a program by Stephen and Friends, a comedy act with a message about the importance of being kind to peers. Also in December, the ladies of Las Candelas served a pizza dinner to the Hathaway-Sycamores students and staff, followed by dessert and an hour of bingo and prizes. Each student was given a small holiday gift as well.

Las Candelas is a group of women formed in 1953 to provide volunteer service and programs to emotionally challenged children. Las Candelas provides monthly programs, activities and support to the children at Hathaway-Sycamores in Altadena and the students at Hillsides Education Center in Pasadena. Other Las Candelas philanthropies include Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Glendale Healthy Kids, Ascencia and the Glendale YWCA Domestic Violence Program.

 Submitted by Cathy KEEN