By Ruth SOWBY

Members of the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) have been donating thousands of hours of volunteer “women”-power through its 65 years of service to the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) in downtown Los Angeles. The Guild also raises funds for the OIC.

LCFOG’s biggest fundraiser is its annual Book and Author Luncheon. This year’s luncheon was held on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club. Guild member Danette Erickson was greeter extraordinaire.

After a two-year pandemic shutdown, members and their guests were ready to buy and read with a vengeance the books selected by the Guild. Guild member and mistress of ceremonies Ginny Pruitt welcomed her audience of more than 100 supporters.       

This year’s authors and books featured were “The Society for the Complete Extermination of Ethan Frome” by Dennis Phinney and two books by Amy Meyerson – “The Bookshop of Yesterdays” and “The Imperfects.” Guild member Wendy Nicoll introduced the authors. 

A video presentation by Channel 7’s weatherman Dallas Raines introduced his book, “Chester and the Hot Air Balloon,” co-written with wife Dannie Raines. Phinney and Meyerson were present to autograph their books purchased by supporters.    

The star of the luncheon, however, has never written a book in his life nor does he intend to.

10-year-old Efrain Ordonez, who had a complicated, nine-hour long leg surgery at the OIC, enjoyed his moment in the sun as “patient ambassador” at the luncheon. A portion of Efrain’s right leg had been removed. His right foot was fashioned so that it became his knee joint that can now bend. A video of Efrain and his mother, Nancy Ordonez, was screened. Mother and son live in East Los Angeles. Cellphones flashed as a shy Efrain was introduced, mom by his side.

Mary Beth Perrine, assistant VP of the Luskin OIC Foundation, made the introductions.

Joan Cleven and DeeDee Nuanes, Benefit chairpersons, joined the Ordonezes and Perrine for more photos. Also in the limelight were Guild co-presidents Arlene Massimino and Caryl Pettit.    

The OIC provides top orthopaedic medical care to any child with musculoskeletal disorders regardless of ability to pay.