Celebrating & Designing The Future: PCDA’s 7th Annual Harvest Moon Gala

“The third element of our philosophy was to focus on social and emotional
development. And, to recognize that we need children who not just obey
commands and are compliant to the directives of what an adult tells them,
but are able to function across a whole range of human emotion.”
– PCDA Executive Director Diane Cullinane, M.D.

THE REASON The passionate and philanthropic of San Gabriel Valley came together for the Professional Child Development Associates (PCDA) 7th Annual Harvest Moon Gala held at the South Pasadena home of Mario and Therese Molina, on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

THE REVELERS  Special guests included U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian, South Pasadena Mayor Robert Joe, former Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Alex Keledjian from Supervisor Antonovich’s office, and Lieutenant Tracey Ibarra and Lieutenant Jesse Carrillo from the Pasadena Police Department as well as Jim Ciccolo, Linda Hess, Alan Ehrlich, Lin & Alan Vlacich, Andrea Vining and Nick Cacarnakis.

THE RECAP Guests mingled, shopped and sipped throughout the silent auction while enjoying a live performance from the Pasadena Symphony string quartet. As the sun set over the event guests settled at their tables for the program and a special “surf & turf” menu created by Chef Claud Beltran (Claud & Co. Eatery and Bacchus’ Kitchen).  Executive Director Diane Cullinane, MD. shared the organization’s history, philosophy and plans for the future. PCDA graduate Jamal Clipps, who now attends PCC, received an Achievement Award. Entrepreneur, who serves on the development committee and whose child attended PCDA, received the Humanitarian Award.

The later part of the evening included and energetic live auction conducted by popular Pasadena auctioneer and Realtor Jim Ciccolo. An estimated 350 guests attended the gala and help raise over $100,000 for the children and young adults with autism and other developmental challenges who receive services at PCDA, doubling the net proceeds of last year’s event.

For more information on philosophy & programs available at Professional Child Development Associates, visit www.pcdateam.org

Click On Images For A Closer Look

Written by Nicholas Andreas. Photography by EffieMagazine.com staff.