“Under the Tuscan Sky” Annual Fundraiser a Great Success

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, we brought a little bit of Italy to La Habra Heights while reaching our fundraising goal. The evening was beautiful with a full moon overhead. Susanne and Rhio Spray graciously opened up their picturesque home for the event, and it was the ideal location for our “Under the Tuscan Sky” theme. The theme and decorations were the inspiration of Amy Perez, Vice President and Event Co-Chair Carmen Miller, Executive Director. Many months of planning helped to create an amazing and successful event.

Kathleen White provided professionally executed Italian arias which included “O Mio Babbino Cara” & Quando M’en Vo, and she ended the evening with “Con te Partero” (Time to Say Goodbye). The evening also included classics from artists like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The Tuscany inspired food provided by Heights resident Carolyn Litchfield of Enjoy Your Party was delicious and also contributed to the wonderful atmosphere.

There were many silent auction baskets and raffle items that were donated, which helped to raise thousands of dollars. The La Habra Collaborative played a major role in helping us obtain a large number of desirable items for our baskets and raffle. The entire Meals on Wheels board worked on securing donations as well as sponsorships, which helped to make this event so successful.

This annual event not only raises the must-needed funds to help finance the program that provides meals to our homebound residents of La Habra and La Habra Heights, but also brings together these two great cities. It has turned into a “must-attend” social event for a very worthwhile cause.

Julie Giles, James Gomez, Board member and interns Gabby Guzman and Alyssa Prieto.

Carol Nigsarian, Carrie Surich, President, Mayor Daren Digsarian of La Habra and Carmen Miller Executive Director and Event Co-Chair.

Amy Perez, VP and Event Co-chair with nieces Elizabeth and Caroline Reynoso and friend Alma Arias who all volunteered at the event.

Diamond Sponsor Christine Kennedy of Compass with husband Ted Koerner and friends Vince & Karie Giamformaggio.

Diamond sponsor Ray O Fernandez of NextMove with his wife Krista.

Platinum sponsors and Heights residents John & Heidi Pearce.

Gold sponsor Kwan Lee from Martplan Insurance with his wife Julie who are Heights residents and their business is in La Habra.

Gold sponsor Lynne MacVean of Mammoth Electric Inc.

Former Mayor and our MC for the evening, Kyle Miller with his grandson Scott Labry who also volunteered for the evening. Scott's mom, Elyse was our photographer for the evening.

Sue & Rick Cassinis and Patti & Dave Stevens who are long time volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels.

Volunteer and Board member Randy McMillan.

Local La Habra business owners Socorro Estrada from Mr. Alberts Mexican food, Sandra Quijano from Autopedic, Rosa Sanchez from La Ranchera Mexican food, and Judy Guzman from Ostioneria Colima. Also included is James Gomez, Mari Desha, Carrie Surich, and Carol and Daren Digsarian.

Members of the La Habra Woman's Club which was a Gold sponsor. Front row is Doronna Hensley, Esthera Maraga and Maria Mullany. Back row is the President Gina Whinery and Annette Limon.

Heights Mayor Carol Englehardt and Heights councilman Brian Bergman.

Former Heights Mayor Stan Carroll with his wife Ardis a former MOW board member.

Singer Katherine White performed Italian arias which were well received by all the guests. She ended the evening with "Con te Partiro" (Time to say Goodbye)