Brentwood Guild
Nel Steele Taliaferro, Chair
Los Angeles, California
Founded 1952
Brentwood GuildThe members of the Brentwood Guild have dedicated their time and raised thousands of dollars in support of John Tracy Clinic over the more than 50-year history of the guild. Through their exemplary efforts, the doors of communication have been opened for countless young children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Brentwood Guild began through the dedication of C.D. and Isabelle LeBlanc. The LeBlancs were close friends of Louise and Spencer Tracy, who founded John Tracy Clinic in honor of their deaf son John. Having a flair for fashion, Mrs. LeBlanc and a key group of other dedicated women, launched the Golden Tones Benefit to raise money for the Clinic. The event, later called the Annual Golden Tones Fashion Show, Boutique and Luncheon, continued for many years to raise support for the children along with awareness of the Clinic’s mission.
Members of the Guild volunteered in the Clinic’s Correspondence Course Program for 20 years, assisting parents around the world in opening the doors of communication with their deaf and hearing-impaired children. Today, The Brentwood Guild continues to sponsor the Clinic’s International Summer Session picnic for parents, children and their siblings who come from around the world for a three-week intensive session. The women and their spouses provide the food and serve the families at this fun and festive affair. And, during the holidays, the Guild plays Santa each year by providing needed toys for the Clinic’s Preschool classrooms.
In the course of organizing fundraising events and conducting membership activities, the members of the Brentwood Guild have forged strong ties with the community. Their energy and enthusiasm has resulted in much publicity and goodwill for the families at John Tracy Clinic.