Author Rose Nielsen, will speak at the Oct. 7 meeting of Trojan Affiliates with her English Golden Retriever “Blondie.”
USC Trojan Affiliates, a USC philanthropic and social women’s group, invites alumni, parents and friends to attend its upcoming meeting and hear author Rose Nielsen, who will be speaking on her book “Turning Tears into Smiles” on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Mijares Restaurant in Pasadena.
“Rose and her 9-year-old English Golden Retriever, ‘Blondie,’ have worked far and wide to bring smiles and a feeling of love and support to the faces of those who need it most,” the group said in a statement, noting the pair have worked at Huntington Hospital, various colleges, evacuation centers, libraries and call the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles home — even in this virtual world.
Nielsen claims that the definition of dog therapy is “comfort, smiles, laughter, hugs and lots of shared love.”
“She and Blondie will bring you on a journey through their work — from funny and light-hearted moments with Blondie and her “husband” Luke (who wear tons of doggie costumes) to the emotional connection Blondie makes with the people she visits,” the statement said.
Blondie, who was “married” to her husband Luke in an Interfaith Chapel in Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, has her own book entitled “Blondie and the Hidden Treasure,” written by Terry McKenzie and Rose Nielsen. All attendees will receive a copy of the book. Donations for receipt of the book are welcomed as Rose has set a goal to raise $140,000 for the dog therapy program. To date, about $131,000 has been donated for this program.
Ann Palmer of Sierra Madre, a recent recipient of a Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award and serving in her first term as Trojan Affiliates president, encourages women in the community to attend the October virtual meeting to become acquainted with the members of Trojan Affiliates. The members meet five times a year in the San Gabriel Valley and are educated by various USC professors and other well versed and interesting speakers. Members also donate their time to raise greatly needed funds for scholarships for worthy USC students. The organization awarded 10 scholarships for the 2021-22 academic school year. Volunteer opportunities have included selling USC products, volunteering at the Pasadena Showcase House, USC Day of Service and more.
Those interested in becoming a speaker at an upcoming Trojan Affiliates meeting, contact speaker Chairman Jacqueline Goodman at jtgoodman@aol.com.
For more information regarding USC Trojan Affiliates and/or to make reservations for the program, at $35 per person for a buffet dinner, contact reservations Chairman Sarah Sismondo by Sept. 30 at (626) 303-7284 or sisarah@verizon.net.
