It all began with a dream—the dream of creating the first guide dog training school on the West Coast. It was a dream shared by Lois Merrihew and Don Donaldson, who volunteered their efforts along with many others. They recognized the need to help wounded servicemen who would return from World War II without their sight. They believed in the potential of dogs to serve as guides for the blind.
Our school was incorporated in May of 1942 and began instruction of students in a rented home in Los Gatos, California, south of San Jose. A German Shepherd named Blondie was one of the first dogs trained. Blondie had been rescued from a Pasadena dog pound. She was later paired with Sgt. Leonard Foulk, the first serviceman to graduate from the new school.
In 1947, the school moved to our present 11-acre location in San Rafael, California, 20 miles north of San Francisco. In October of 1995, we held the first graduation at our new campus in Boring, Oregon, 25 miles east of Portland. We have graduated more than 10,000 teams since our beginnings in 1942.
Today...
Both campuses house students in exceptional dormitory facilities which include dining rooms, exercise rooms, libraries, computer rooms and social areas. Both are located near major metropolitan centers, providing graduated training from quiet rural areas to congested city streets and public transit. The dogs and puppies are cared for in meticulous kennels and state-of-the-art veterinary clinics. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers as well as Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever crosses are the breeds used. Professional staff and veterinarians nurture, groom, train and prepare the dogs for their futures as guides.
The Thalians Presidents Club is a select and outstanding charity group made up of celebrities, industry, social and community leaders who pledge $1500 per year for a period of five years. Upon completion of the initial five year pledge, member's names are inscribed on the Thalians Presidents club Honor Roll located on the plaza level of The Thalians Mental Health Center for all to see, in perpetuity. Membership can be maintained as an active member for $1000 a year thereafter. This will guarantee invitations to future Thalians Presidents Club events.
Since 1971, The Thalians Presidents Club has provided members with exciting social and festive functions including travel to exotic shores and entertainment events. These events have become known as "must attend" parties and gatherings. Social events in the past have included The Valentino Awards, Special Screenings, Theater Parties, Garden Socials and athletic venues such as Polo Matches, Race Track VIP Parties, Tennis Matches and much more. Almost all of the events are free to Thalians Presidents Club members or in case of travel and/or special events; members are given greatly discounted prices. Members are invited to all Thalians Presidents Club events for the duration of their five year pledge.
The Thalians was founded in 1955 by a group of young actors and allied professionals from the film industry who wanted to give back some of their blessings to the community. They met at actress Jayne Mansfield’s home to discuss how they could use their time, talent and energy to help children with mental health problems. Taking the name from Thalia, the Muse of Comedy and the Shepherdess of straying and lost lambs, the first Hollywood “celebrity” charity was born, and just four short years later, The Thalians Clinic for Emotionally Disturbed Children at Mt. Sinai Hospital was established.
When Mt. Sinai and Cedars of Lebanon merged, The Thalians pledged $1 million toward the construction of the first building on the new campus, which was named in their honor: The Thalians Mental Health Center.
Over the past 54 years, the group, long led by President Debbie Reynolds and Board Chair Ruta Lee, has raised over $30 million in support of the Center, which is world-renowned for its pioneering research and care. The number one priority is still children, but the Center treats pediatrics through geriatrics, for diseases ranging from Autism, Alzheimer’s, Bi-Polar Disorder, and Schizophrenia, to Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress, Depression, and Addictions.
Primary sources of fundraising are the annual Thalians Ball, which attracts standing room only crowds with its galaxy of stars and elaborate productions, and the Presidents Club, whose members mingle with celebrities and industry, civic, and community leaders at exclusive events.
The Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs) is a group of philanthropists that was formed in 1990. The ABCs organization is comprised of more than 200 members, many of whom are married couples, from the Los Angeles-Westside area. Fundraising events include a special "Women of Achievement" luncheon and an annual gala. The current President of the ABCs is Gloria Gebbia.
The ABCs have raised more than $6 million for cancer research at John Wayne Cancer Institute. For more information about the ABCs, please call (310) 315-6111.
Ours is a special place – a place where children have been cared for, and cured, for more than 100 years. From a modest beginning in a two-story house in Los Angeles, our hospital has become one of the world's top pediatric facilities, acknowledged throughout the United States and around the world for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health.
Our physicians, nurses and other caregivers – and those who support them – are committed to helping children lead healthier, happier lives today. Our physician-scientists and other investigators are dedicated to finding the best means to diagnose, treat and cure pediatric disease and to promote child health tomorrow. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles improves the lives of children every day – children who are “…living proof that what we're doing is making a world of difference.”
The Coalition for Pets & Public Safety is a non-profit organization with 501 ( C) (3) status. We are a diverse group of citizens with a common goal to eliminate the pet overpopulation problem.
The Coalition for Pets & Public Safety is focusing on spay and neuter programs to alleviate the needless pain and suffering of thousands of animals killed in Los Angeles shelters.
Our school was incorporated in May of 1942 and began instruction of students in a rented home in Los Gatos, California, south of San Jose. A German Shepherd named Blondie was one of the first dogs trained. Blondie had been rescued from a Pasadena dog pound. She was later paired with Sgt. Leonard Foulk, the first serviceman to graduate from the new school.
