Friends and family of Oak Crest gathered on a cold Southern California evening at the historic Maxwell House in Pasadena, CA, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Institute, and to share some Holiday cheer.
The December 4, 2013 event was a huge success, starting with the mellow ambiance created by the beautiful venue and the smooth jazz of Jim Jedeikin and his quartet. Sweet & Savory Bakery catered the exquisite, seemingly never-ending food. Together with an open bar, the party was sustained until closing at around 10 p.m.
The open layout of the 1929 Mediterranean Italianate style Maxwell House allowed guests, including Oak Crest staff, students, Board Members, collaborators as well as friends and family, to mingle and catch up. At one point, Dr. Marc Baum, Oak Crest’s president, interrupted the jazz to deliver a short welcome speech. In his salute to 15 years of growth by the Institute, he also acknowledged a key member of the team, Wendy Cano, Oak Crest bookkeeper and administrator extraordinaire, for 10 years of dedicated service (see photo). An emotional and surprisingly concise Wendy then said, “It has been nothing short of ‘a passion’ to work with Oak Crest and I can only hope it continues in perpetuity!”
Here’s to many more years!