He's thrown parties for troubled teens for nearly 10 years...and now one's being thrown for him
Jenine Baines
May 21, 2009
"Reid has a servant´s heart," says one of those Kiwanians – Karen Drew, a holiday party volunteer who, in 2007 and 2008, became President of the Board of Directors of Rosemary Children´s Services.
However, this spring, the agency – which serves abused, abandoned and neglected children throughout Los Angeles county and portions of San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties – decided that it was time for Allen to receive a celebration and gift of his own. The longtime volunteer is this year´s recipient of RCS´s highest honor, the Golden Star Award.
"Countless teenage girls have shared in the joy of the holiday season, thanks to Reid," says Greg Wessels, Executive Director of Rosemary Children´s Service and a fellow member of the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena. "But Reid doesn´t stop giving just because the holiday season ends. He has also been a tireless volunteer for our annual benefit, An Evening with Star Chefs, which this year will take place on Saturday, June 27 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia."
In addition to volunteering for RCS, Allen is a lifetime Director of the Tournament of Roses and the Past Governor of the Cal-Nev-HA (California, Hawaii and Nevada) District of Kiwanis International.
"Reid has taken a special interest in many people during his years in the community service realm," says Drew, First Vice President for Far East National Bank. "I am lucky to have been one of those people. Reid sponsored me into our Kiwanis Club and, under his tutelage, I became the first female president of our club. However, most importantly he has been my unofficial adopted father and grandpa to my two children."
"We´ve been fortunate to have many wonderful volunteers cross our path over the years," adds Jennifer Radics, Director of Development. "Reid is one of the best of them. He remains involved with RCS not only to continue Kiwanis´ community outreach but because of his great interest in our cause and his belief in the work that we do."
Currently RCS´s programs include a Foster Family and Adoption Agency, which helps nearly 400 children annually; a Non-Public School, the Rosemary School, providing specialized education in a small structured environment; a Mental Health Program to provide individual and group therapy and training in various life skills; and a Residential Program for teenage girls. The girls live at either Rosemary Cottage, which houses 19 girls, or one of four smaller group homes located throughout Pasadena. The agency also supports a Transitional Housing program for emancipated Foster Youth as well as a 24-month program for women ages 18 to 24 who are no longer part of the foster care system but need help increasing their job skills, education, and life skills.
"The name ´Kiwanis´ was coined from an American Indian expression meaning ´we trade´ or ´we share our talents´," explains Allen. "And we´ve chosen to devote the majority of our talent and energy to serving the children in our community. RCS shares Kiwanis´ commitment to providing a child with a chance to learn, experience, dream and succeed. I couldn´t ask for a better partner."
Tickets for "An Evening With Star Chefs" are currently available for $150/person. For more information about Star Chefs or to arrange a tour of RCS´s campus in Pasadena, visit www.rosemarychildren.org or call 626.844.3033 ext. 211. Santa Anita Park is located at 285 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia.
Founded in 1920, Rosemary Children´s Services provides compassionate and therapeutic support to help children, adolescents and families heal from their pasts and move towards productive and fulfilling futures. To arrange a tour or learn more about RCS, visit www.rosemarychildren.org or call 626.844.3033
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