The 16 year old Eagle Rock High School student was admitted to MIT where he plans to study engineering or biomedical engineering. He was the first student in 20 years from Eagle Rock High School to be admitted to MIT, and one of only two students from Eagle Rock High School to receive early decision admittance last year. Connor was a National Merit Scholar finalist, and ranked within the top three students for all of LAUSD.  Additionally he worked as a school tutor and private tutor to help support his family (brother & mom) while he was in high school.

Connor Dorothy is congratulated by Hathaway-Sycamores' President & CEO Bill Martone

Connor utilized Hathaway-Sycamores’ Family Resource Centers’ Learning Lab for six years. Under the direction of Simon Gee, the Learning Lab serves at risk youth in the Northeast Los Angeles area by providing a safe place to study after school. The children and youth use the lab space and computers to complete homework and print homework assignments. The youth also receive tutoring individually and in small groups. This center is open to students from 7 to 18 years old, Monday through Thursday from 3pm to 9pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 12pm.  19 local public schools refer students to the center, and it is the only free resource of this type in the Highland Park community. Every day about 30 students show up for open lab and tutoring.  The learning center serves about 250 students a year, and there is typically a waiting list of about 500 students to use this center.  The center has been able to offer summer programs in SAT prep, pre algebra and biology prep due to volunteers from the community, and when funding is available, the center is able to expand its tutoring services. The center has data that shows an improvement of one or more letter grades with the students they work with on a continual basis.

When MIT’s Dean of Admissions asked Connor to name a teacher who had been especially influential in his life, Connor named Simon Gee.

Last spring Hathaway-Sycamores Board Members were so inspired by Connor’s story they created a special fund to pay for additional expenses (travel expenses, clothing, computer, etc.) not covered by his scholarship.

Just last month Hathaway-Sycamores Board Members received a letter from Connor with an update on his life at MIT so far.

Connor’s Letter

January 13, 2012

Dear Board of Directors,

MIT is the closest thing to my home now. The time I’ve spent here has been the most stable period of my entire life.

I was homeless when I submitted my MIT application on my boss’s computer, and my family was living in my aunt’s garage when I got accepted. I had to explain to my mom where Massachusetts was, and she was sad that I had to go so far away. But she didn’t need me to explain the full ride part. She understood that I had the opportunity to get out of the generational poverty that surrounded us, something she was never able to do. 

I’ve met extraordinary people, took my first ever physics class, failed my first physics test, explored Boston, gotten lost in Boston, fallen into the Charles River, ran barefoot through the Infinite Corridor, ran barefoot through the snow, created a flamethrowing jack-o-lantern, read more books, and hopefully gotten smarter.

Next semester I plan on taking 6.01 (Introduction to Computer Science and Electrical Engineering), 8.03 (Vibrations and Waves), 18.03 (Differential Equations), 11.011(Introduction to the Art and Science of Negotiation), and 3.091 (Introduction to Solid State Chemistry). Right now I’m taking 8.20 (Special Relativity), and I’m teaching myself 8.02 (Electricity and Magnetism).

I just want you to know that because of your support, you’ve been able to completely change a life.

Sincerely,                                                                     

Connor Dorothy  

Connor just got his report card, one B+ and all the rest As. Way to go Connor! Kudos to Simon Gee for his unwavering dedication and support of the youth who come to the Learning Lab and to Hathaway-Sycamores’ Board Members who lead and support our agency to help people change their lives for the better on a daily basis.

Saturday February 11, 2012

1:00 -5:00 pm

 “The celebration of Pinot Noir & all things that go with it.”

Pasadena PinotFest is a month-long celebration of the wonderful world of Pinot Noir. The fourth annual festival will culminate with a Grand Public Tasting at the Altadena Town & Country Club on February 11, featuring wines from more than 100 wineries, 200 Pinots and cuisine from top restaurants. And to make this standout event even more significant, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the in-need children and families served by Hathaway-Sycamores. Tickets for General Admission are $89.00 plus tax and for VIP Admission $119 plus tax.

Click here to purchase tickets for the Grand Public Tasting

General Admission tickets include access to all wines and winemakers and cuisine provided by Altadena Town & Country Club, Noir Food & Wine, The Raymond Restaurant, AKA Bistro & Bistro 45. VIP Admission also includes access to the event one hour early and use of a VIP lounge. Visit the PinotFest website or call 626.795.7199 for additional information about the event including all the scheduled wine tastings and winemaker dinners and to purchase tickets for the Grand Public Tasting.

February 28th, 29th and March 1, 2012

It is time for Hathaway-Sycamores’ Dinners from the Heart:
Your opportunity to dine out and make a difference!

Approximately 30 popular restaurants in and around the Pasadena area have generously donated dinners to Hathaway-Sycamores for the annual event. This appetizing fundraiser features a new format this year, patrons will have three nights to choose from, plus there are special group dinners with local celebrities. Simply pick the date and restaurant of your choice and enjoy a special evening with friends or perhaps a romantic evening for two, or join one of the group dinners, and at the same time help to raise funds for Hathaway-Sycamores. All proceeds from the dinners, which range from $75 to $175 per person, will help fund Hathaway-Sycamores’ comprehensive continuum of services. To make your reservation for the restaurant of your choice please contact Andi Sica at (626) 395-7100 x2516 or by email Andi Sica.  Click here to download a pdf version of participating restaurants.

HOW IT WORKS:

• Pick your favorite restaurant
• Call Hathaway-Sycamores to purchase dinners and place reservations.
• We provide wine and table favors. (One bottle of complimentary wine for each party of two, you are responsible for tax and gratuity only on any supplemental alcoholic beverages ordered by your party.)

This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, February 28, 29 and March 1, 2012.

NEW THIS YEAR – GROUP DINNER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS:

Special Group dinners are an opportunity for 10-20 guests to dine together in an intimate setting at a great restaurant where they can enjoy time with a special guest.

• February 29th, at Parkway Grill – $175 Per Person
  Special guest Contemporary American artist Peter Adams and his wife Elaine
• February 29th, at Noir Food & Wine – $150 Per Person
  Featured winemaker Wes Hagen of Clos Pepe with guest Chef Claud Beltran of Noir Food & Wine
• March 1st, at Gales Restaurant – $125 Per Person
  Special guest Rachael Worby, Artistic Director and Conductor of MUSE/IQUE
• March 1st, at The Derby Restaurant – $125 Per Person
  Special guest Jockey Laffit Pincay, horse racing’s winningest jockey
• March 1st, at The Raymond Restaurant – $175 Per Person
  Special winemaker dinner with guest Dave Vergari of Vergari wines

If you are interested in joining one of the group dinners, please contact Ms. Andi Sica at (626) 395-7100 ext. 2516 as we have a very limited number of seats available.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

EVENT CO-CHAIRS: 

Bob & Gregg Smith of Smith Brothers Restaurant Corporation
and
The Los Altos Auxiliary

HEART OF GOLD PATRONS:

Platinum Patrons
Penny Kirby
Renee LaBran & Malcolm Boyd
Paulette & Bob Lang

Gold Patrons
Nancy Fairchild & Greg Boreham
The Harrington Group
Paulette & Henry Matson
Pattie & Allan McDonald
Donice & Richard Pancost
Eugene & Nancy Thomas
Carry & Larry Webb

Silver Patrons
Julie & David Battaglia
Jeanie & Terry Kay
Anne & Randy Leach

Bronze Patrons
Bradford & Barthel, LLP
Jeanine & John Cushman
Carolyn Ingram-Seitz
Rosemary Simmons

Click here to download a pdf version of Heart of Gold Patron benefits. 

To make your reservation for the restaurant of your choice, or for more information about this event (including sponsorship opportunities) please contact Andi Sica at (626) 395-7100 x2516 or by email Andi Sica

Rekindle your romance at our Five-Star Spa with the Pomegranate Body Gelato, combining fresh pomegranate and pure botanicals, completed with a pomegranate gelato treat. Indulge in some time away from it all with the Spa Sneak Away Plan, featuring complimentary fitness classes and your choice of 50-minute Amber Gold Signature Massage or Classic Cleansing Facial.

Download the Activities Flyer as a pdf

Jane Whitmore 
1-888-24-FAMILY
(1-888-243-2645)

Please join us at our next Foster or Adoptive Parent Orientation Meeting:
Thursday February 2, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Are you: Married? Single? Partnered? Retired? Have kids? Never had kids? Willing to open your home to a child in need? Do you: Own a home? Rent a home? Work/Not work? Have a stable lifestyle? Like kids and feel you have something to offer them? Have room in your heart and home for one more?

Hathaway-Sycamores Foster Family & Adoption Agency will help you decide if becoming a adoptive or foster parent is right for you!

Foster or Adoptive Parent Orientation Meeting

Thursday February 2, 2012    6:30-8:00 pm

12510 Van Nuys Blvd Suite 201, Pacoima, CA 91331

Drop in meeting, no appointment needed. Refreshments provided (childcare will not be available for meeting). Professional Support and Assistance at no-cost. For more information, contact: Jane Whitmore  1-888-24-FAMILY (1-888-243-2645)

Hathaway-Sycamores’ annual golf event will be held on Friday May 18, 2012 at the Angeles National Golf Club. For event information please email or call Andi Sica at (626) 395-7100 etx 2516.

Battle of the Bowl 2012

Created in 2004, the Battle of the Bowl is under the direction of 17-year-old Brendan Doney who has taken over the organization and fundraising of this event for the past two years. He’s recruited teammates from his Loyola High School football team, plus many family and local Pasadena–area community friends. The competition set the “Swagger” against the “Class.” Together the two teams raised $25,000 through player donations and sponsorships from Nestlé and Worthe Real Estate Group.

In the end, the final score was “Swagger” 50 – “Class” 46. The players each donated $250 to play on one of the two, 20-member teams. The teams—which competed for two, 45-minute halves—had full use of the Rose Bowl football field and locker rooms, complete with professional referees.

After the game, Brendan thanked all the players for their support and participation. “What an incredible experience to play on this historic field, especially under the lights, and with so many friends,” he said, “but what’s really important is that we raised money for kids—many the same age as us—who face adversity on a daily basis. I really appreciate everyone’s participation.”

Brendan Doney presents Hathaway-Sycamores EVP of Fund Development Rob Myers with a check for $12,500.00.

Brendan Doney then capped off the day by presenting a $12,500 check to Hathaway-Sycamores’ executive vice president Rob Myers, “We thank you Brendan and all the players for carrying on the tradition of the Battle of the Bowl. You are all leaders on and off the field and the money that you’ve raised will help change the lives of the children and teens we serve.” Earlier in the day, Brendan presented a $12,500 check to Darryl Dunn, general manager of the Rose Bowl, for the Rose Bowl Legacy Campaign.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2011 Holiday Campaign! Companies and individuals contributed time, talent, gifts, and money to make sure the holidays were happy for the children and families we serve. Best wishes from everyone at Hathaway-Sycamores for a happy, healthy 2012!

Film composer and singer-songwriter, Craig Richey, wrote his first holiday song fifteen years ago after being touched by the plight of a sad small discarded Christmas tree lying in the gutter on the street in New York. After that many more holiday songs streamed forth and he began the annual tradition of performing holiday benefit concerts.

Craig Richey & Friends: Sal Vassallo, Craig Richey, Dreya Weber, Jon Ossman and Chris Lovejoy

Based on his belief that the holiday season is really an ancient celebration of birth and the return of light, Craig decided that wanted his concerts to benefit women and children. “It is my belief that all children, upon entering this world, should be attended by an awe inspiring star, angels, shepherds, wise men, and kings, to celebrate the arrival of this new being: one who promises to be our hope, our future, the one we pray has come to save us.” This was the first year that Craig’s performance has benefited the children and families of Hathaway-Sycamores.

Many of the guests who expected more traditional holiday music were pleasantly surprised by Craig’s original songs that are so personal and yet at the same time universal. With Craig at the piano and guitar backed by his band and featuring rich and textural vocal harmonies the music ranged from inspirational, deeply moving, irreverent, to humorous. Craig’s CD, Mother & Child – Songs of Christmas is available on iTunes.

Thank you to everyone who made the evening so special, Craig Richey & Friends, Boston Court Performing Arts Center, Noir Food & Wine, all the Hathaway-Sycamores supporters who attended the event and to Westmount Asset Management who sponsored the event.