Hillsides CEO Stacey Roth and Honoree Sharon Smith at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Event Co-Chairs Teresa Vo, Hanh Vo, and Uyen-Uyen Vo at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Rhiannon De Carlo, Giselle Barragan, and Hillsides President and COO Gina Perez at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Michael Williamson and Hillsides Board Chair Stacey Hoppe at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jaime Walling, Elena Espinoza, Carrie Espinoza, Helen Barbieri, and Kim Weleba at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Kunya Nix and Rodney Bolton at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Nicole Matsumoto, John Gong, and Shari Gong at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Paul Chamberlain and Bonnie Green at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Peter Ellison, Jenny Honeycutt, Bridget Galletly, Nick Galletly, Rose Galletly, and Matt Galletly at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jill K. Allen and Fritz Coleman at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Nora Benard, Ava Herrera, and Maria Vargas at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Nehal Makhani and Dicky Shah at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Valerie and Aaron Weiss at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jennifer Shen and Keith Arnett at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Hobie Barnes, Hillsides CEO Stacey Roth, and Justin Blackburn at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Cathy and Larry Glover at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Melanie Horstmann and Jason Crouch at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Rahniesha Lewis and Marisol Perez at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Lee Frees and Jen McCabe at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Mike Hidalgo and Jorge Huinquez at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Ani Porto and Mary Almodovar at Hillsides Gala "Into the Wild" held at the Bonaventure Hotel [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
More than 320 guests gathered on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in Los Angeles for Hillsides’ Annual Gala, Into the Wild—an immersive evening celebrating resilience, courage, and healing for individuals and families served by the nonprofit.
This year’s event was co-chaired by sisters Teresa Y-Uyen Vo, Uyen-Uyen Vo, and Dr. Hanh-Uyen Vo, affectionately known as “The Three Uyens.” United by both family and a deep commitment to service, the trio brought heartfelt leadership to the event, which highlighted Hillsides’ mission to help children, youth, and families heal, grow, and thrive.
The safari-inspired theme was drawn from a formative experience the sisters shared in Africa while Hanh-Uyen completed her veterinary training. Witnessing wildlife in its natural environment—and its capacity to adapt and persevere—became a powerful metaphor for the journeys of the children and families Hillsides supports.
Guests were transported into a lush, safari-themed setting enlivened with vibrant décor, a hosted cocktail reception, and a three-course dinner. An eight-piece band provided live entertainment throughout the evening.
The gala celebrated Hillsides’ century-long legacy of care, which today reaches more than 12,000 lives annually through comprehensive mental health and family support services. Funds raised from the event will directly support Hillsides’ programs across Los Angeles County, helping ensure continued access to essential resources for children and families in need.
Hillsides is a leading health and human services nonprofit with programs throughout Greater Los Angeles. For 112 years, the organization has helped children, youth, and families heal through trauma-informed care, behavioral health treatment, and access to vital services. Hillsides also provides support to young adults with transitional housing, life skills training, and job training and placement. Learn how you can help children to heal, grow, and thrive at Hillsides.org.
