The La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) hosted its 59th annual Book and Author Luncheon at the Angeles National Golf Club on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The goal was to raise funds for Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) where medical care, including surgery if needed, is provided for children without consideration to their family financial status. All profits from the yearly luncheon are sent directly to Charitable Children’s Guild and forwarded to OIC. Many of the LCFOG members volunteer numerous hours at the downtown campus in different departments.

Michael Sullivan, vice president and chief philanthropy officer of OIC, introduced special guest, 10-year-old As’ad Kashim from Nigeria who was born with severe cerebral palsy and was unable to stand. As’ad and his family made the “journey of faith” to America and eventually to OIC where As’ad received six hours of surgical procedures necessary for him to be able to stand and walk. After extensive follow-up physical therapy, As’ad was able to walk into the luncheon banquet room with the aid of a walker where he was greeted with joyous applause. He thanked the Guild and guests.

The luncheon was attended by over 170 people who were treated to an array of silent auction gifts. Raffle tickets sellers were busy as were those hawking the 50/50 drawing. The bonus board was tended by La Cañada residents Marilyn Center and Wendy Nicoll, who were kept hopping in the entry hall. The bonus board contained numerous sealed envelopes each holding gift certificates though there was no guarantee of what was inside. Donors were listed nearby so there was a hint of the surprises in the envelopes.

OIC mascot, Ozzie, was present to meet and greet guests with a thumbs up.  Several members of the OIC staff were also guests at the luncheon.

Author John Kralik, “365 Thank Yous,” gave an inspirational talk outlining his journey as to what led to his feeling of despair for so long and how a simple act of gratitude, repeated daily, turned his life around. Kralik is a very interesting man and local resident with a beautiful wife and a story joyfully told. The Guild sold all of his books in a very short time.

Children’s author and illustrator Frans Vischer, also a local resident, shared the latest adventures of Fuddles, a fictional cat who is based on Fran’s 16-pound pampered cat. Vischer’s book “Fuddles and Puddles,” was released in September and is available at Once Upon A Time Bookstore in Montrose. Two of Vischer’s illustrations were auctioned by former La Cañada resident Mary Beth Perrine, senior director of Community Outreach for OIC.

The successful event was co-chaired by Ginney Pruitt and Carolyn Geer with the help of all members of LCFOG.

Photos courtesy of
Danette ERICKSON, Margaret DICKSON, Arlene MASSIMINO