The Valley Line: Flintridge Guild of CHLA holds ‘A Day in May’

Not only is it a gray May, but it also turned into rainy May. How wonderful it has been. I love the pitter-pat sound of raindrops on my windowsill. We even had some lightning and thunder last week — a rare experience anymore in our part of the country.

My tiny dog Lola wasn’t thrilled about the flashes and loud thunder booms as she quivered in my lap. Hopefully we can have some more rain that might help our drought situation — or at least make some of us happier.

It seems that families are gearing up for graduations scattered hither and thither across the country. I’ve talked to several people who are making graduation plans and of course it is always exciting.

My oldest grandchild, Aidan, will be graduating from eighth grade soon. Right now he and his classmates are in Washington, D.C. for a school trip. Needless to say they are having a grand time. Lucan, his brother who is a couple grades younger, is also on the same trip with his classmates.

The two classes also visited Mt. Vernon and Monticello, which they said was fascinating for them. During Colonial days our Napier ancestors’ land was next to the Peter Jefferson land in Virginia. Before the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson and my ancestor Patrick Napier were church deacons together at the same parish church. Yep, visiting Monticello was an “ah-ha” moment for the kids.

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I recently attended the Flintridge Guild of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles “A Day in May” luncheon and boutique, which drew about 200 guests. This was the second time that the guild has staged this event at the venerable California Club in downtown Los Angeles. The club is beautiful, with its collection of plein air paintings and large dining room with its tall windows that look out on beautiful miniature gardens. The club is a quiet, elegant refuge in the hustle-bustle of the financial center of the city.

Guests arrived through the impressive front door and moved up the grand staircase into the reception area, where they checked in and then were offered champagne to sip. They then strolled through the boutique showcasing items from 17 different vendors. From antique tableware to precious jewels, the offerings were divine.

Allen Zielinski provided lovely, inspiring piano music on the beautiful grand piano in the foyer as guests sipped and shopped their way through the boutique.

When the luncheon gong sounded, guests entered the dining room, where the tables were set with exquisite vases of white flowers.

Juliet Cullen, president of the guild, stepped to the microphone to welcome the guests and thank them for attending. All funds raised that day, she said, would be used to benefit the CHLA Associated Rehabilitation Center Caregiver Wing and the Associates Endowed Chair in Sarcoma.

“Your participation on today’s event will contribute to the children who will be treated, cured and comforted at CHLA,” Cullen said. “Additionally, you are showing support to the incredible doctors, nurses and staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.”

Featured speaker for the day was La Cañada Flintridge resident Dr. Mark Urata, who leads the division of plastic and maxillofacial surgery at CHLA. He is also chair of Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the Audrey Skirball Kenis Endowed Chair and Chief Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Keck School of Medicine of USC. Urata talked about and showed slides about the importance of self-esteem for his young patients who need to have extensive surgery that are often birth defects.

He and his wife, Dr. Michelle Urata, who specializes in internal medicine, are parents of three children who attend La Cañada schools. Michelle is also a member of the Flintridge Guild.

The luncheon menu was delightful and began with fire-roasted bell pepper bisque with cilantro pesto. Served next was citrus grilled chicken breast salad with avocado, oranges, cranberries, toasted almonds and Sonoma goat cheese with vinaigrette dressing. Dessert was a Jivara milk chocolate dome with a caramel center, peanut butter croquant.

It was such a lovely event and one that raises money for such a worthwhile cause. I have a soft spot for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles because my two children were patients there when they were babies and they received such good care.

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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@yahoo.com with news of your special event.