LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE,CA - On Saturday, April 13th,the California Association of American Mothers,Inc. held their annual celebration honoring outstanding mothers.The festive,well attended event which included a beautiful luncheon, was held at the picturesque La Cañada Flintridge Country Club.

American Mothers, Inc., is an interfaith, non-political, non-profit organization that recognizes the important role of motherhood through educational programs and community outreach. It is also the organization responsible for annually selecting the National Mother of the Year and is the official sponsor of Mother’s Day.

The Distinguished Service Award, “Helping Helpless Children Award” is named for Frances Elenore Smith who was honored in 1936 as the California Mother of the Year and went on to be named the National Mother of the Year. Because of this distinction, and her interest in helping other, funds were raised in her honor to start a rehabilitation center for children with polio in Chino, California

They called it Casa Colina , and she worked there without salary until she passed away in 1952.

More than 80 years later, Casa Colina continues their great efforts for both children and adults. and is now located in Pomona, California.

MARY ZAKRASEK of Sherman Oaks, California, wife of David Randall, and mother to son Daniel was the 2019 recipient of this prestigious award.

Mary Zakrasek, Ph.D., is an Environmentalist, Health & Wellness Educator, and Sustainability Consultant who is dedicated to creating positive change in schools, communities and around the world.

Mary is currently working with Safe Baby Healthy Child, a health & wellness website with renowned holistic pediatricians, homeopaths and environmental experts, offering solutions and lifestyle choices that help children and families thrive.

With a professional background in marketing and sustainability, Mary designed a course for Woodbury College in Burbank, California, with a focus on innovative business strategies that preserve and enhance the natural environment.

She is an Advisory Boardmember of California Safe Schools(www.calisafe.org), and served as an LAUSD IPM Committee Parent Representative, using the Precautionary Principle in Pest Management decisions; and led projects integrating sustainable practices in schools including recycling, organic foods, composting and gardens, and chemical-free cleaning products and school supplies.



Her other Community Service efforts include, but are not limited to: Working with city and neighborhood councils to protect schools and parks from environmental threats .Launching a community project in collaboration with The City of Los Angeles, TreePeople, and Jane Goodall’s “Roots and Shoots” Program.

This revolutionary new initiative brings drought-tolerant trees into neighborhoods across the City, helping to provide more shade and cleaner air, conserving water and energy, and creating a healthier environment and more vibrant community.

For further information :

Lauraine Clark – California America Mothers

Phone: (909) 489-1576