The Greater Los Angeles Region (GLAR) Fall Gala was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles last year, with more than 200 people in attendance. Previously an annual event, the gala returned in 2024 after several years off due to the pandemic.
The gala, which originated more than 15 years ago, was created by sisters Barbara Hubbard-Spence and Vanessa Pipes to serve as a fundraiser for Los Angeles Adventist Academy. Hubbard-Spence was recognized at this year’s event for her service throughout the years. In recent years, the gala has shifted its focus from a fundraiser to a time of reflection among members of the region and a special recognition of GLAR pastors. Royal Harrison, Southern California Conference (SCC) executive vice president, who served as the region director from 2014-2024, was recognized for his service, and he introduced Lawrence Dorsey II as the newest GLAR director.
The music led by Terrelle Edwards was both inspiring and entertaining as many laughed and sang along to familiar songs and tunes from the past.
“It was a wonderful event where we, the Greater Los Angeles Region, decided to reconnect and come together to celebrate and acknowledge, not just what God has done for us this year, but in our past,” reflected Dorsey, “with our eyes keenly aware of what He can do for us in the future.”
