Ghouls, Ghosties, and Grill in Pasadena

Learning Works 11th annual Halloween fundraiser (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Learning Works holds its 11^th annual Halloween fundraiser, as friends and family celebrate.

By Diane Orona

The Brault Gardens in Pasadena were abound with macabre creatures created by master illusionist, Jake Brault, as many guests attended the annual fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 26, for Learning Works, a public charter school created specifically for students who were labeled as dropouts.

CEO/Founder of Learning Works, Dr. Mikala Rahn, hosted the event which brought together old and new friends in a heartfelt celebration of the wonderful work done by the school.  The Halloween fundraiser began with a social hour, followed by a delicious dinner provided by BBQ Dan. A warm welcome was given by Monica Peña, Dominick Correy, Dr. Rahn, and Shirley Torres, the Chief Program Officer. Special remarks were given by Daniel Vasquez of Coffee Cut Boys, also a former chaser of Learning Works. As guests bid on the myriad of silent auction items, they were serenaded by Madeline Rahn, whose beautiful soprano voice filled the evening air.

The live auction was a truly fun event, as Dominick Correy led the crowd in bidding for several items that will bring in funds for extracurricular activities for students.

Rounding out the evening was a call to action, as Dr. Rahn asked guests to take a moment of silence to realize how fortunate they are, especially with so much of the world suffering at the present time. The evening closed with hot fudge sundaes for all. As guests left with their treasures, all were reminded of the good work done by Learning Works.

Jennifer Bailey, Mark Abernathy, and Jan Jones (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Robin Kinman, Mike Kinman, Luis Fierros and Rosemary Baker (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Maria de la Torre and Monica Palomo (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Zade Abernathy and Kerri Abernathy (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Mikala Rahn and Shirley Torres (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Madeline Rahn (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Lisa Brault, Eddie Newman, Kathy Lesley, and Patrick Conyers (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

(Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)

Learning Works annual Halloween fundraiser (Photo – Felix Orona-Jimenez)