The La Canada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) April meeting was held recently at the home of Elinor Bunn (La Cañada). A favorite topic of conversation was the upcoming fundraiser at Mijares Mexican Restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive in Pasadena on Tuesday, April 25. Marie Baker is chairing this event and will be assisted by Easy Delaney, Maria Gero and Judith McClure.

LCFOG members invite everyone to join them for snacks, drinks and dinner anytime from 3 p.m. to closing at 9 p.m. at the restaurant that has been serving Pasadena and surrounding communities since 1920. A generous percentage of all bar, takeout and dine in receipts will benefit Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) with whom LCFOG works closely to bring healing care to any child with an orthopaedic injury or condition without consideration to the parents’ financial situation. LCFOG has completed its $100,000 pledge to OIC and is now raising funds for the renovation of the urgent care area located in Lowman Building on the downtown campus; over 35,000 children are admitted to OIC through urgent care each year.

This is only one of the ways in which the Guild supports OIC. The annual Book and Author Luncheon in October, the Guild’s major fundraiser, is another. Several members donate their time at the downtown campus working in the It’s A Bargain thrift shop or volunteer in the department offices.

Mary Beth Perrine, former La Cañada resident and senior director of Development and Community Outreach at Orthopaedic Institute for Children, acts as liaison to the Guild. Her attendance at the Guild meetings always insures a success story. This month she spoke of “Charlie” a 10-year old boy who while skateboarding in Santa Monica was struck by a car and sustained serious injury, an open fracture of both upper and lower leg. The boy’s father, who was with him at the time, carried the child to UCLA Santa Monica Orthopedic Institute for Children and was met by Dr. Mauricio Silva, medical director in the emergency department. Surgery to repair the damage was performed by Dr. Silva. Although Charlie’s leg was repaired, he will require physical therapy to get back to his skateboard riding days. Perrine stressed he will also need to recover from the emotional and psychological trauma of this injury.

Any woman interested in helping to make it possible for children to Grow Well and Play Well is asked to contact LCFOG Membership Chair Marie Gilhooly at (818) 489-2876.

All are welcome at Mijares on April 25 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Submitted by Arlene MASSIMINO