By Maryann Ridini Spencer
Circle of Love member and event coordinator/caterer extraordinaire, Suz Landay, gives selflessly of her time and her talents.
A member of the Foundation’s Circle of Love for approximately 6 years, Suz first met Jeffrey Foundation Founder, Alyce Morris Winston, at a gathering of mutual friends.
“I enjoyed The Jeffrey Foundation fundraising events for a number of years before I first chaired an event,” said Suz. “The first event I became involved with was held in a private garden in Hancock Park, ‘A Night in Tuscany.’
“I prepared the appetizers for the food and wine tasting portion of for the evening,” said Suz. “It was such a wonderful experience. I love entertaining and I was definitely in my element.”
Although Suz’s professional background was for many years as a clothing designer, working for major corporations developing private label merchandise for JC Penney, Kohl’s and Limited Too, Suz always had a love of cooking and entertaining.
“My mother loved to entertain,” says Suz, “and I learned a lot from her. However, her entertaining was never on the scale of some of my parties of late – cooking for hundreds.
What can I say? I love to party! I’ve always enjoyed entertaining and hosting dinner parties in my home. Hosting large events developed out of this passion. I enjoy every single part of the preparation and hosting process. It’s never stressful for me because prior to the event I dedicate myself to setting up and organizing every element. So by the time of the event, I can also enjoy the party myself.”
When Suz is in party preparation mode, she confesses to “turning on some good Broadway tunes and doing her thing.” She caters using her own recipes that have been lovingly developed over time and claims she hardly ever cooks the same thing twice and likes to ‘mix it up’ using different ingredients.
If you’ve ever experienced one of Suz’s events – or savory meals – you’d be sure to ask her if she is inclined to open a restaurant or catering business. If you did inquire, the answer would be a resounding, “No!”
“I love to give a party and do all the preparations, but I don’t want it to be in a work situation or anyone’s payroll. What I do, I do for love and the pure enjoyment of it,” says Suz.
Suz works donating her services for a handful of charities, but finds that working with the Jeffrey Foundation is so rewarding because she has a chance to give back to the community.
“The Jeffrey Foundation provides a vital place for special needs children and their families to feel safe, loved and cared for. The parents get to know that their children are being taken care of and educated while they are busy at work. In the meantime, the children are learning valuable life lessons and studies allowing them to attain their full potential.”
In late 2011, Suz committed to hosting a number of fundraising events for The Jeffrey Foundation for their 40th Anniversary year (2012). A few of these events, which have already transpired, involved catering a private party at her home in Windsor Park on November 18 which was a resounding success. For the second event, held on Saturday, December 17, Suz catered and hosted a Christmas 2011 “Holiday Look-In Tour” of Historic Homes. The event began at Suz’s own historic home in Windsor Park. At the event, attendees dined on delicious food while listening to glorious Christmas tunes. They also toured several historic homes, all beautifully decorated for the holidays. One of the impressive homes featured was that of Paul Rodriguez, Rose Parade Float Designer.
More Parties and More Food Glorious Food!
If you enjoy a good party and would like to donate your services to assist Suz and her team at one of The Jeffrey Foundation events, please contact Suz below. Suz needs volunteers to serve as hosts, kitchen help and food servers. Call – (323) 939-2456 and/or email Suz at: swldesign@aol.com. You can also contact The Jeffrey Foundation at (323) 965-7536.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!! UPCOMING EVENTS Catered and/or Co-Chaired by Suz include:
February 14, 2012, 10:45am – 1:00pm – Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Tour at The Jeffrey Foundation
The children will perform a special Valentine’s Day program, which will be followed by a delicious lunch, served and prepared by Suz.
The luncheon is free, but donations welcome! RSVP to (323) 965-7536 or Email: Info@TheJeffreyFoundation.com
The delicious menu will feature: Festive Salsa Salad, Lemon Glazed Grilled Chicken Breasts, Basil Risotto & Fresh Vegetable Aioli Platter followed by Valentine treats!
Friday, May 4, 2012, 5:30pm – The Jeffrey Foundation’s “Circle of Love” 40th Anniversary Black Tie Dinner & Awards
At The Olympic Collection, 11301 Olympic Boulevard #204, West Los Angeles, CA 90064
While Suz won’t be catering this event, she will be involved with the décor and ambiance. For more information, call: (323) 965-7536 Ex. 14 or 22. Email: info@thejeffreyfoundation.com
Murder/Mystery Dinner – Date/Time TBA shortly.
This event features a gourmet meal prepared by Suz and a wonderful, interactive play.
For more information, check the “Events” page at: http://thejeffreyfoundation.com/Events.html
Great Depression Ball – Date/Time TBA shortly
A delectable meal, music and entertainment to transport you to back to the1930s.
For more information, check the “Events” page at:
http://thejeffreyfoundation.com/Events.html
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The Jeffrey Foundation 
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