August & September 2024Volume 10 | Issue 5
Message from the CEODear League Team, I am thrilled to be the new CEO of Assistance League of Los Angeles. It is a privilege to become part of such a dedicated and passionate community, and I am deeply grateful to all who have welcomed me so warmly. I lookforward to building upon the League’s rich history andtraditions as we work together to continue to upliftchildren and families in need. Your hard work, dedication, and talent areinstrumental in driving the League’s mission forward.Your accomplishments over the years have beenextraordinary, and you should all be enormously proudof the transformative impact of your efforts.Together, we will continue to improve the lives ofthousands of deserving children, youth, and adults inour community. As your new CEO, my door is always open, my phone isalways on, and my email address isgkovacs@AssistanceLeagueLA.org. Please feel free toreach out to me at any time, even just to say hello! Ilook forward to working with you, learning firsthandabout what you do, and getting to know each of you.Everyone contributes to the success of the League,and your efforts are greatly appreciated!I am excited about all we can achieve together!With warm regards,GregGreat seeing you all at the CRVC training on Sept. 27th! Look forward to workingtogether!
Yvonne also has a big bucket list of activities and travels she iseager to pursue! Her Zen zone is creativity and art – includingmaking pottery, needlepoint, and sewing, or just repaintingthe bathroom...again. Yvonne plans to travel and pursuevolunteer work – activities she enjoys and can’t wait to domore of. One of her first adventures will be driving the entireRoute 66, starting at the Santa Monica Pier all the way toChicago, Illinois to visit her son. Flying would be so mucheasier, but not nearly as adventurous!LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Arnold, a published author of several children’s books,recently completed an MFA in Screenwriting at CalState Northridge and already has a project or twobeing considered for production. So don’t be surprisedif you see Arnold’s name in the credits of a great newNetflix series—we can all say, “We knew him when...”This newsletter is all about CHANGE! As you’ve no doubtheard, there are other changes at the management level ofthe League. Both Arnold Rudnick and Yvonne Bradshaw areembracing change in their lives, and we want to congratulatethem as they each begin a new adventure – retirement!Arnold departed the League in September, and Yvonne’s lastday as Sr. Director of Human Resources is November 1st. Yvonne Bradshaw & Arnold RudnickYvonne and Arnold have significantly impacted the growthand operations of the League, particularly in HumanResources and Accounting. We appreciate their dedication,hard work and support of the League’s mission over the lasteleven years. Their presence has made a difference, and weare grateful for their contributions. We thank themtremendously and wish them all the best as they each begin anew chapter in their lives!
The REALLY BIG SHOE was a Really Big SUCCESS! Read all the highlights!League NewsTotal Number of Attendees: 295 Total Amount Raised (so far): Tickets & Sponsorships: 47,950.00Donations: 33,465.00 Auction: 38,831Congratulations to all who worked TIRELESSLY to makeit happen! And a special shout out to NOP for theirsupport and lending their home for the occasion! With a packed house, we raised 121,390.62* for kids’ shoes! Enough to provide a pair ofshoes for every child in Operation School Bell this year!Thanks to the amazing event committee, staff andvolunteers, it was an extremely successful event withimpeccable service, and great feedback!THE REALLY BIG SHOEClick here to view more photos!Enough money raised to purchase 10,000 pairs of shoes!*before costs & matching grant (NUMBERS TO BE UPDATED ONGOINGLY)
September has been identified as Self-Care monthbecause it marks the end of summer and the beginning offall, which can signal a new era – again, it’s all aboutchange! It’s a good time to reflect on what is important toyou to support your physical and mental well-being, and totake action toward personal growth and learning. Here are some ideas for observing Self-Care month:Spend time outdoors. Being in nature nurtures mentalhealth and well-beingStay active! Try walking, yoga, hiking, bike riding, etc.Schedule important mental and physical healthcareappointmentsIdentify one thing in your life that is holding you backand work to let it goStep out of your comfort zone – challenge yourself totry something newCelebrate your wins! Reward yourself when you reacha goalWhat will you do take care of yourself this month?News from HRPlease join us in welcoming Deisy Velasco to the League! Deisyjoined the CRVC team on September 4th as a ReferralSpecialist in the Valley courts. She brings excellent customerservice and cash handling skills to the role, having worked indining and retail establishments. In addition, Deisy is a quicklearner, people-oriented, and enthusiastic about making adifference in her community. We’re thrilled to welcome her tothe team!Welcome to the team Deisy!Fun StuffSeptember is Self-Care Month!
KATIE RODRIGUEZ & GOOFY!Pet ParadeKatie fell in love with Goofy the moment she sawhis photo. Although she was nervous aboutintroducing a new puppy to her family, Goofywon everyone over instantly. Now, he’s part ofthe family, and his silly antics—like napping in ababy rocker—are just one of the many reasonsthey adore him Although Katie has only had Mr.Goofy for about two months, she says she andher family can’t imagine life without him!These are just some of the reasons Katie andher family named him Goofy.Meet Katie Rodriguez, Preschool Teacher’s Aide,and her adorable Maltipoo puppy, Goofy!Maltipoos are known for their puppy-like lookseven when fully grown, and Goofy is no exception—he’s as cute as they come!The pessimist complainsabout the wind. The optimist expects it tochange.The leader adjusts the sails.”-John MaxwellQuote of the Month
Celebrating work anniversaries in August and Septemberare: Patricia Collins, Isabel Rodriguez, JocylenBungcasan, Ana Schick, Jela Javier, Paloma Pozos,Mayboll Carrasco, Bruno Tomasini, and Deisy Velasco. A special shout-out to Pat Collins, who has been with us foran incredible 26 years—thank you for your unwaveringdedication, Pat! And welcome again to Deisy, who justjoined our team this month!Celebrating birthdays in August and September are CJFlanagan, Stephanie Newman, Mayboll Carrasco, AidaMaloumian, Anthony Garcia, Greg Kovacs and SammyBaythongdy. Happy birthday to all our Virgo Party Animals -- we hopeyour birthday celebrations are filled with joy!Employee BirthdaysEmployee Anniversaries
Thank You for Reading!