The Associates of Westside Center for Independent Living Raise $8,000 at Literary Tea Fundraiser

Aliza Barzilay, Executive Director of the Westside Center for Independent Living (WCIL), said the organization's Associates raised $8,000 at a recent Literary Tea and Membership Party with Guest Author and Speaker, SUSAN ORLEAN, the New York Times Best-Selling Author of The Orchid Thief and staff writer for The New Yorker magazine.  Orlean talked about and signed copies of her latest book, Rin Tin Tin, The Life and The Legend, at the Beverly Hills home of WCIL Associates founder and member, Betty Deutsch on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.  Pianist Jeff Lass provided musical entertainment.  The function was catered by Susan Kraft.
 
           The WCIL Associates Steering Committee for this event included:  Betty Deutsch, Tea Party Hostess; Ruth Kraft, Steering Committee Chair; Suzie Levin Corben, Honorary Chair; and members Louise Escoe, Marjorie Fasman, LaVetta Forbes, Barbara Gordon, Lola Jameson, Trudy Kallis, Jean Katz, Ruth March, Marcia Solomon, Dorothy Straus, Dascha Auerbach Stuart, Ruth Tober and Phyllis Wiseman.
 
           As one of the most creative literary journalists of today, Susan Orlean is the author of the best-selling book, The Orchid Thief, which was made into the Academy Award-winning movie, Adaptation.  Her latest work, Rin Tin Tin:  The Life and the Legend (Simon & Schuster; September 27, 2011; $26.99), tells the story of Rin Tin Tin's journey from orphaned puppy to movie star and international icon.  From the moment in 1918 when Corporal Lee Duncan discovers Rin Tin Tin on a World War I battlefield, he recognizes something in the pup that he needs to share with the world.  Rin Tin Tin's improbable introduction to Hollywood leads to the dog's first blockbuster film and over time, the many radio programs, movies, and television shows that follow.  The canine hero's legacy is cemented by Duncan, and a small group of others who devote their lives to keeping him and his descendants alive.

           Founded 1981 by Helen Levin, Betty Deutsch and Louise Escoe, the Associates of the Westside Center for Independent Living are a group of active community members who are dedicated to the cause of independent living for seniors and people with disabilities.  In support of this mission, the Associates use their skills to educate and develop community advocates, support WCIL programs through membership development, provide volunteer services, and present fundraising events.

            Westside Center For Independent Living was established in 1976 with the mission of providing seniors and people with disabilities the tools to achieve the goals of independent living self-assurance, community acceptance, unlimited access, and the right to self-determination.
 
            Programs and services include individual and systems advocacy, assistive technology, employment services, independent living skills, information and referral, peer counseling, peer support and employment training, personal assistants, home accessibility, and Transition Services from hospital, skilled nursing facility or institutional facility and the Empowerment Alliance.
 
            More than 70% of WCIL's staff is made up of people with disabilities.  Each staff member has a unique commitment to assist others with disabilities, and their understanding, guidance and support gives those we serve the confidence to reach out toward their own independence.
 
            WCIL has three Westside service sites, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, and Redondo Beach, providing programs and services.  The geographic service area runs from Malibu to San Pedro, to West Hollywood, and included the Westside of Los Angeles along with Carson.

           To learn more about the Westside Center for Independent Living, please visit the website www.wcil.org.  A disability need not be disabling.