More than 225 guests attended The Campbell Center 60th anniversary in September at Oakmont Country Club. Among the dignitaries present were L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Glendale Chief of Police Robert Castro and Glendale City Councilmember Paula Devine. Also attending were several of The Campbell Center clients whose presence was a gentle reminder of the purpose of the event.

Emceed by actress Mariette Hartley, who charmed the room with her wit, grace and delivery, the evening featured tribute presentations honoring the organization’s founders Phyllis and Jerry Campbell. Also honored were corporate partner Western Drug and the Deranja family, each of whom received an award befitting the theme of the evening “Heroes In Our Midst.”

“The evening was truly a very touching celebration of our 60 years, a night our attendees are sure to remember fondly,” said Eric Hamilton, president of The Campbell Center governing board.

Also featured was a moving tribute to the Campbells who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Presenting the award was the organization’s past executive director Carole Jouroyan, who received a special recognition award for her 25 years of service.

Other awards included the presentation of the Corporate Partner Hero of the Year Award presented to Western Drug founder Jack Youredjian and his son Haig, president of Western Drug Medical Supply, by Glendale Adventist Medical Center President and CEO Kevin Roberts. Presenting the Caregiver Family Hero of the Year Award to the Deranja family was their son Peter who was born with Down syndrome and is a client of The Campbell Center.

Evening highlights included the lighting of a birthday cake by clients and board members and special remarks by legendary singer/songwriter Bill Withers. There was also a memorable performance by Withers’ daughter Kori and her brother Todd, who is a client of The Campbell Center. The evening was capped with attendees treated to a video of The Campbell Center clients expressing their sentiments via the song “Happy,” accentuated by a balloon drop.

“It was clear that everyone was very inspired and moved by our organization’s mission,” said Lt. Lola Abrahamian, president of The Campbell Center Foundation. “We are grateful to all our supporters who came out to help us celebrate in style.”