On October 20, Storyteller Children’s Center held a swanky Dirty 30 Anniversary Gala at the Hotel Californian. The event netted more than $400,000 for the organization, which provides therapeutic preschool for homeless and at-risk children and comprehensive support services for the children and their families.
A Rooftop Patron Party kicked off the black-tie gala, with martinis flowing and guests mingling on the ocean view deck. Another reception in the courtyard below followed, where food stations allowed the 275 guests to dine at the leisure inside or out. Andrew Firestone then welcomed the guests and shared how the evening was as much a celebration of the past 30 years and the thousands of kids who have benefited from Storyteller as it was a challenge for guests to help provide funding for Storyteller to continue its mission.
After being introduced by Firestone as the one who leads with passion and compassion, Executive Director Donna Barranco Fisher explained that Storyteller’s job is to get children ready for kindergarten, the grade level which has the highest expulsion rate. Children arrive at Storyteller having experienced trauma, which has caused their brains to not develop properly. The organization provides therapeutic counseling through a partnership with CALM (Child Abuse Listening Meditation). Storyteller provides health, vision, and dental screenings, as well as speech, language, and occupational therapy. Storyteller also offers clothes where needed and a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack daily.