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Three Generations of Caring - New Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees Member Brings Family History of Volunteering

LOS ANGELES, October 5, 2011 — Amy D'Ambra is new to the Board of Trustees of Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation, but a familiar face to the institution. D'Ambra's involvement with Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital (LAOH), a world leader in pediatric orthopaedic treatment, research and education, is multi-generational – beginning with her mother and now includes her daughters. D'Ambra's mother, a founding member of Las Madrecitas, an auxiliary support group of LAOH, introduced D'Ambra to the Hospital through her volunteer work. Now, D'Ambra's two daughters are members of Las Niñas de Las Madrecitas, the junior group for high school girls. It is a wonderful story of three generations of women dedicated to LAOH's mission and values, representing three generations of volunteerism.

D'Ambra recounts the stories that her mother, the late Dr. Annette Dahlman, told of a small group of women in the Palos Verdes who pooled their resources in order to "do something more," and established Las Madrecitas. Dahlman and Las Madrecitas found purpose and value in their organization and learned the benefits of "charitable giving and charitable grace."

Dahlman was very excited when her daughter chose to join Las Madrecitas in 2008. D'Ambra has followed in her mother's footsteps by taking an immediate leadership role, as this year's co-chair of the Las Niñas de Las Madrecitas Annual Fashion Show that raises money for LAOH. Her mother chaired the first fashion show in 1957, which was held at Marineland of the Pacific in Palos Verdes. Supporters gathered to hear the story of LAOH, share their talents, and raise money for the hospital. This year's event raised over $40,000.

D'Ambra's daughters, Ellie and Caroline, Las Niñas classes of 2013 and 2015, respectively, have become a third generation of this family volunteering their time and energy to LAOH. D'Ambra is thankful to have a relationship with LAOH where she can continue a family legacy, and raise her children in an environment that teaches the value of charitable giving. "Thank you to LAOH for allowing us to be part of your volunteer family. This work has been an important part of our family's life. LAOH's philosophy of offering every child the best in orthopaedic care regardless of their ability to pay offers me the opportunity to live out my Mom's teachings and share them with my daughters. We are grateful to LAOH."



About Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital:
Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital is a leader in orthopaedic patient care, education and research, improving the quality of life for children and adults with musculoskeletal disorders. For a century, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital has helped children, regardless of their family's ability to pay. Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital has service locations in downtown Los Angeles, across the Westside and in Calexico, California. In alliance with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the new Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital is scheduled to open in early 2012. www.orthohospital.org.

About Las Madrecitas and the Charitable Children’s Guild:
Las Madrecitas is an auxiliary of the Charitable Children’s Guild (CCG) of Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital. The CCG began in 1911 as the first support group for LAOH and features five auxiliaries – La Canada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild located in La Canada Flintridge; Las Amigas de Las Lomas located in the Rolling Hills Estates/Palos Verdes area; Las Madrecitas; Las Niñas de Las Madrecitas which is the junior auxiliary comprised of high school age daughters of Las Madrecitas and Las Amigas de Las Lomas; and Las Vecinas located in the Calexico/Mexicali area. Las Madrecitas has given $176,364 to support programs this year and over $2,600,000 to date. The Guild and its auxiliaries together have donated $206,364 in 2011, supporting patient care with donations totaling over $10 million to date.

Media Contact
Jeanne Goldsmith
310-454-9033
jgoldsmith@verizon.net


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