From the Helper’s Club President

 

In 1946 Brother Patrick was asked by his Order to go to Los Angeles and build a home for the sick and poor who needed help.  Brother Patrick explained, “I have no money; no means; no anything; we are very poor, but with His help I will do my best.” 

 

The task was overwhelming.  However, with the love of God in his heart and a determination unmatched, Brother Patrick and a group of Brothers set forth on their mission.  Each day brought many trials, tribulations and lessons learned, but they persisted onward. Brother Patrick found support from many charitable organizations, caring local citizens and established the Hospitaller Foundation and their auxiliaries to accomplish this goal, including the Helper’s Club in 1964.

 

Here we are many years later and the St. John of God Retirement & Care Center stands today as a standard of hospitality for the sick, the poor and the elderly.  It is an amazing story and one that could fill many pages, but the story does not end here.  The work continues to this day in establishing the finest nursing facility in Los Angeles with a quality of care that is second to none.

 

We are grateful for those caring supporters who have been with us throughout the many years of the Helper’s Club and I am proud to announce that in 2009 the Helper’s Club has fulfilled its $100,000 pledge toward the St. Benedict Menni Alzheimer’s facility.  However, there are more challenges ahead.  The Helper’s Club committed to raising funds for the remodeling of the foyer of the “Grande Apartments” independent/with care facility on the St. John of God campus.

 

Throughout the many years of its existence, we have hosted dinner dances at homes from Hancock Park to San Marino, from Chinatown to the California Yacht Club from the Biltmore Hotel to the Wilshire Country Club; golf tourneys from Lakeside to Brookside; train trips to Del Mar and back; car shows and raffles and winner takes all.  We have great fun with wonderful generous friends, come be a part of it.

 

We invite you to renew your membership or join our Club today, take an active role and serve as a member on our Board or on one of the event committees and make a difference in the lives of the many elderly.  The Newsletter you are looking at is sponsored by the Helper’s Club and shares the news of the St. John of God family. Additionally, should you have any suggestions that could help further the Helper’s Club cause; you may contact us at (323) 731-7141. 

 

Please use the enclosed envelope and participate in this membership drive and continue your support during this future of change by assisting the Brothers in their mission to provide the necessary quality care to those in need.

We look forward to your support and maybe seeing you at our events. 

 

Joseph Wolf
President-Helper’s Club