(From left to right): CCIS Board members Betsey Tyler and Tonita Fernandez join TV star and keynote speaker Jane Kaczmarek at the Altadena Town & Country Club.
Child Care Information Service held its 28th Annual Policymakers Breakfast at the Altadena Town & Country Club April 29, as legislators, community leaders, donors, volunteers, child care providers and parents convened to hear timely comments from those in the field and on the frontline.
TV celebrity ("Malcolm in the Middle") and child advocate Jane Kaczmarek presented the keynote address, and captured the audience with her anecdotes and perceptions about her work with various international and local charities and causes. She underlined the importance of giving back to the community particularly as a celebrity, carrying out her philosophy of "Service is the rent we pay for living" as learned from fellow actors.
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and Supervisor Michael Antonovich were the featured legislative speakers at the event. Both legislators underscored that support is needed more than ever before for early childhood education and those parents and guardians who rely on affordable care for their children in order to continue to work and provide for their families. Special video messages were also presented from Senator Carol Liu and Congressman Adam Schiff who were unable to attend the Breakfast in person.
The 2011 Corporate Award was presented to the Real Estate Professionals Committee of the Arcadia Association of Realtors with chair Micah Adams. They are credited for their support for the CCIS Holiday Party where low-income families in need are treated to holiday festivities and gifts for children. Cristina Alvarado, CCIS Executive Director, was awarded the 2011 Marge Wyatt Advocacy Award for her ten years with the agency, as well as continuous and proactive work in the community in support of children and families. Advocacy Award chairs Marge Wyatt and Peggy Sisson were on hand to present the award.
The event was sponsored by Citizens Business Bank, Union Bank, Kids Dental Kare, Mr Copy-A Xerox Company, Roger Gilson Business & Estate Planning, the City of Pasadena, Lakeshore Learning Materials, Flintridge Center, the Arcadia Association of Realtors, Industry Printing, Tonita Fernandez, and Alma's Little Lambs.
Child Care Information Service advocates for and connects children & families to high quality, affordable child care services.
