250 guests enjoyed a beautiful day at Santa Anita Race track for Villa Esperanza Guild’s 10th Annual “A Day of Thoroughbred Racing” Saturday, February 23. The event raised over $67,000 to support Villa’s Hjelte-Phillips Speech and Language Center and Adult Residential and Independent Living Programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Since its inception 40 years ago, the Guild has raised over one million dollars to benefit the very special children, adults and seniors Villa serves.

“We all had so much fun this year and the weather held up beautifully,” said Guild President Debra Hart. “We are all very proud of the support we continue to receive for Villa. The organization is truly amazing and we are proud to be part of such a worth while cause.” 

Chairing this year’s “A Day at the Races” event was Judi Moore of Bradbury and Helene Nielsen of South Pasadena.  Guild President, Debra Hart of Temple City, and Patron Chairmen, Marie Jones and Georgene Neely of San Marino also raised funds for Villa. Other Guild committee members include: Laura Kaz and Cynthia Lewis of Pasadena; Anne Letton, and Barbara Jameson of San Marino; Marty Digges, Sally Irving, and Linda Matsuno-Parmenter of San Gabriel; Nancy Pierson of Sierra Madre; Toni Ryan of Bradbury, and Ethel Stabile and Helen Vaughn of Altadena.