The evening started with a tribute, a moment to remember how we got to where we are, a moment to salute the accomplishments of Gisele Manchev, the Los Feliz campus’ long-time elementary director who retired this year.  A moment to say thank you.  A moment for Gisele to also express her own feelings on such a momentous occasion.  She acknowledged that she had seen the music program grow at LILA - her dream.  And so, fittingly, Toni Kasza called out to the children.  They came streaming from everywhere and stood united, the LILA choir, to sing in Gisele’s honor.

We spent the afternoon together.  We ate as we enjoyed the music provided by students and staff.  We danced, we shared, and we mingled as the children frolicked in the traditional “Spaghetti Dinner” way.

A huge success.  A moment out of our busy schedules to share some wine, some spaghetti, and some good company.  Thank you Narda for stepping up to the plate to head your team of amazing volunteers to pull this one off!