Over 100 people celebrated 76 years of HFS Adoption and Foster Care at the Circle of Hope on May 18th, 2025. Thank you to Los Angeles Episcopal Bishop John H. Taylor and his wife, Kathy O’Connor, for their hospitality in hosting the gathering at their home in Pasadena. As the committee considered moving forward with this annual fundraiser, returning to the Episcopal Bishop’s home seemed the right choice, and we thank them both!
It’s been quite a year so far for all of us who live in the Los Angeles area. Terrifying fires that raged through both Pacific Palisades and Altadena have left no one untouched, whether you were directly affected by the devastation or know those who are. We pray for healing for all affected by the January fires.
HFS’s priority at its inception was caring not only for the child and the adoptive parents, but the birth parents as well. From the beginning, as part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, HFS aimed to serve clients regardless of race, religious affiliation, or income level. HFS’s first placement occurred on December 12, 1949; now, seventy-six years and over 7,000 placed children later, the agency still works under those same guidelines.
With a goal of $60,000 for the event, over $72,000 was raised through early sponsors, event sales, an opportunity drawing featuring Parkhopper Disneyland Tickets and Nordstrom Gift Cards; a live auction featuring Dodger Tickets, Theater Tickets, and Hollywood Bowl Box Seats, and a paddle raise.
Special guests included honoree retiring board member and alumni parent Joseph Zanetta, and members of the Adoption Guild representing generations of women who raised funds for HFS for over 60 years through their tennis tournament in Newport Beach. Thank you to Marcy Sargenti, Sue Podany, Pam Fossler, and Nancy Collins, who trekked all the way from Orange County for the event.
The highlight of the afternoon was the Borkes-Washington family. David and Jerrod were introduced to HFS by friends who had adopted through the agency. They decided to move forward in the infant program and in June of 2019 became parents to Eva. Two years later, they decided that one was not enough. They became foster-to-adoption parents and were matched with Nolan and Leila. The bond was immediate! Thank you to the whole family who attended the event and for sharing your amazing story with us all!
Let me also take this opportunity to thank our current Board of Directors for their support and hard work on behalf of HFS, all of whom attended the Circle of Hope: Vice President, Elaine Tumonis; Board Secretary, Paula Kendrick; and our treasurer, Ryan Harlow-Nakano. HFS board members include Phil and Mary B. Bruno, John Thies, Jeff Lawson, Mary Hatton, and Joseph Zanetta.
I’d like to give a shout-out to the staff at HFS, who continue to meet our clients where they are, and are making a difference to our adoptive families and to the community at large. Julie Brown, our Executive Director, is coming up on her 13-year anniversary with the agency, and we are deeply grateful for her commitment. We continue to be blessed by our clinical staff: Betty Rivera, Program Supervisor; Lisa Espericueta, social worker; and Xenia Valle, social worker. Julie, Betty, and Xenia, along with their spouses or significant others, were able to join the festivities at the Circle of Hope this year! Thank you to our administrative assistant and post-adoption contact worker, Jazmin Gutierrez, and to Melinda McLeod, our office manager. An additional thank you goes to David Mascarina, who manages our website, social media, and all of our graphic needs. The look and feel of HFS would not be the same without David’s creative touch!
Our gratitude to those who helped make this event possible through their generous help and support: Mary Hatton, Lydia Johnston (center pieces), Mary B. Bruno, Joseph Zanetta, Elaine Tumonis, Kathy O’Connor, and David Mascarina. Volunteering this afternoon are Viki Battaglia, Ejiro Ubiedi Morrow, Emily Wright, Jenna Gilb, David Mascarina, and Mara Lague. Thank you to Mary Pat Brandmeyer, MPB Catering, and her staff; Samantha Jacoby Photography (www.samanthajacoby.com); Sophia Flores and Andrew Edwards, our musicians for today; and to Ms. Dragon Print and Copy, Altadena. A special shoutout to my husband, Matt Wright, our MC for the evening.
And thank you to all of you for your continued support of HFS’s efforts in creating “Forever Families.” Your belief in the mission of HFS inspires all of us to strive for excellence and compassion when attending to our work.
