La Canada Flintridge Outlook
More than 450 guests gathered for “A Celebration for Union Station” presented by the Occidental-Caltech Symphony recently at All Saints Church in Pasadena.
The enjoyable evening of music helped benefit the expanding programs and services for homeless women at Union Station Foundation. Under the direction of Allen Robert Gross and featuring internationally acclaimed Israeli pianist Rina Dokshitsky, the concert raised over $20,000 to support expanding services for homeless women at Union Station.
This was the first community benefit concert by the Occidental-Caltech Symphony. Coinciding with Caltech’s annual “Make a Difference” Day and Occidental College’s commitment to community service, these young people gave the gift of music by donating their services to Union Station, ensuring that proceeds from the event will provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, and hope for those seeking permanent escape from life on the streets.
“The orchestra was thrilled to be able to do this concert,” said Maestro Gross. “The players felt that they were doing something special and important for the community, and really enjoyed playing for a new audience.” The concert has even inspired one of his Occidental students to plan a similar event with his band in his home in the East Bay.
For more information contact Kandy Nunn at (626) 240-4559 or visit www.unionstationhs.org.
Union Station Foundation is a community-based, non-denominational, non-profit social service agency serving Pasadena and the West San Gabriel Valley. Its mission is to provide homeless and poor men, women and families with the means to transform their lives so they can become productive, stable and self-supporting. Union Station’s professional staff, along with over 500 community volunteers, provides a wide array of supportive services to residents and clients. They serve more than 155,000 meals each year to the homeless and hungry. All programs and services are provided free of charge.