Charitable Efforts

Lambs to be feted at Descanso gala

Amy and David Lamb, whose varied activities reflect a commitment to Descanso Gardens and the local community will be recognized June 7 at the 2008 SEEDS (Supporting Education and Excellence at Descanso) fundraiser titled “A Toast to California.”

Proceeds from the annual gala benefit Descanso Gardens’ 150-acre botanical garden and its significant educational programs, including those that introduce the landscape to thousands of children. Over the years, SEEDS members have raised nearly $1 million.

“I could not think of a better couple to honor,” says Martha Wheeler Bowman, this year’s chair. “The Lambs are incredibly proactive community volunteers and Descanso Gardens has so greatly benefited from their influence and dedication. We are thrilled to honor them for their tremendous generosity and impact.”

Amy Lamb inspired the formation of SEEDS and was chair of the first benefit in 2001. She also served as chair for Descanso Gardens Guild Board of Trustees and still holds a seat on the board. Born in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., she is a graduate of Cornell University and the George Washington School of Law. Lamb worked as an attorney for O’Melveny & Myers. She currently sits on the boards of the Pasadena Garden Club and the Polytechnic School and is an associate member of the Pasadena Showcase for the Arts. She was past president of the Junior League of Pasadena; Kidspace Circle of Friends and Oak Knoll Neighborhood Assn. She previously sat on the boards of the National Charity League of Pasadena and Las Madrinas, an organization that provides financial support to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She is past president and a current board member for the Huntington Collection.

“There is such energy and creativity throughout Descanso Gardens,” she says. “The people who work there are an extraordinary group. Descanso is a beautiful, accessible place where people of all ages can be educated, entertained and refreshed. It makes a difference in people’s lives.”

David Lamb is a partner at the law firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. He was born in Ventura and graduated from the UCLA School of Law. He serves as a board member of Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena, Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai and is an advisory board member of the Huntington-USC Institutes for Advanced Studies in Pasadena.

The Lambs live in Pasadena and are the parents of three children.

“A Toast to California” will be the eighth annual SEEDS fundraiser. Stage and television personality Fritz Coleman will once again preside as auctioneer. To receive an invitation, call the Descanso Development Office at (818) 952-4391.

MACK International

Tickets are still available for the MACK (Mountain Avenue is Committed to Kids) International celebration and fundraiser on May 10.

The event is a way to get parents together, have fun and raise money for the school they all love, according to MACK president Greg Grande.

“This is our annual dinner, silent auction fundraiser,” Grande said.

MACK International begins at 6 p.m. on May 10 on the school campus at 2307 Mountain Ave. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the school.