Las Madrinas honored 29 young women and their families for their service to the Southern California community and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles during the Las Madrinas Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 21.
Guests from across Los Angeles and around the country gathered with the young women, their families, and the members of Las Madrinas. It was a joyous and festive evening in the annual tradition of the Las Madrinas Ball.
Kathryne Halverson Garland, the president of Las Madrinas, formally welcomed the families and guests in attendance and thanked everyone for joining Las Madrinas in its support of the research programs at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She spoke of Las Madrinas’ commitment to Children’s Hospital Los Angles for the past 90 years, specifically highlighting the organization’s completed commitment to the Las Madrinas Diagnostic Innovation Endowment. Garland then recognized Ball Chair Emily Williamson Hancock and Debutante Chair Hilary O’Rourke Wynperle for their dedicated efforts in making the evening a smashing success.
Member husband John Ledlie Rouse announced the debutantes. Jacob Maarse Floral Design of Pasadena created the centerpieces and floral décor. The Wayne Foster Orchestra accompanied the presentation of the debutantes and played the traditional waltz that transitioned the party from presentation to celebration.
Las Madrinas was established in 1933 as the first Affiliate Group of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and has been supporting equity, quality and innovation in health care by supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ pediatric care and research for 90 years.
Since 1939, Las Madrinas has honored families who have demonstrated a commitment to the civic, cultural and philanthropic life of Southern California by presenting their daughters at Las Madrinas Ball. Donations made in honor of the young women, together with the annual support of Las Madrinas members and friends, have enabled Las Madrinas to complete 10 major projects at the hospital since 1988. Among these endeavors are 11 research endowments totaling more than $32.5 million, a capital project on the Cardiovascular Floor, and the current $5 million pledge for the Las Madrinas Diagnostic Innovation Endowment.
First published in the Jan. 11 issue of the San Marino Tribune
