Torrance event aids Newman camp

By Meredith Grenier
Posted: 09/18/2011 10:38:48 PM PDT
Updated: 09/18/2011 10:47:51 PM PDT

The spirit and generosity of actor and humanitarian Paul Newman are alive and well in the South Bay.

Torrance is the headquarters for Newman's foundation, the Scott Newman Center, named for his son, who died in 1978 at age 28 from a drug overdose.

While people may not readily connect the Hollywood legend with Torrance, it's at the downtown Depot restaurant that a benefit is held annually to raise funds for the Scott Newman Center's Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp.

This year's gala, SummerFest 2011, was hosted last month by the Depot's owner, chef Michael Shafer, and the center's board of directors. It was a night of live music (including Shafer on guitar), dancing, a silent and live auction and dinner.

In a nod to the South Bay location, the Scott Newman Center board is becoming increasingly filled with South Bay residents. In fact, chairwoman Judy Borck is a Palos Verdes Estates resident and was a longtime staff and board member of the Switzer Learning Center in Torrance.

The Scott Newman Center, headed by CEO Ruben Barajas, operates a unique camp experience for families in recovery from the ravages of drug addiction and/or domestic violence. The camp started as a pilot program 18 years ago with fewer than 30 families. Last summer, the camp provided free tuition to about 200 families, a total of more than 500 children and parents.

Following the gala dinner, Borck presented the Scott Newman Center Legacy Award to Rob Palmer, a
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resident of Rolling Hills Estates with his wife, Patti. For 30 years, he has been a Torrance attorney specializing in estate planning. Calling him "our hidden treasure," Borck elaborated on the generous time and energy Palmer has given to the center over the past 10 years.

"Rob Palmer has been one of the center's best ambassadors, always helping to expand its circle of friends and supporters," Borck said. "He has been an adviser, a mainstay and, best of all, a true friend of the families we serve."

In accepting the award, Palmer thanked board members, including actor Victor Rivers; Barajas, who recruited Palmer to the board after meeting him in a Spinning class at South End Racquet and Health Club in 2001; Borck; Shafer; sponsors; and guests, who paid $100 to attend.

Palmer has two sons, Bo and Bryan. Bo and his wife, Jenny, recently returned from Pakistan where they served as Foreign Service diplomats for the State Department. Bryan will attend law school this fall with an eye toward joining the family business.

The goal of the Rowdy Ridge Gang Camp, in Lake Arrowhead, is to facilitate the bonding and healing of families wounded by drugs and domestic violence, by providing opportunities to spend quality time with one another, learn effective communication skills and create positive, powerful long-term memories. Teens learn communication, management, counseling and leadership skills in an effort to become productive, contributing leaders in their communities.

For more information on volunteering, an invitation to SummerFest 2012, or sponsorships, call 310-791-7627 or go to www.scottnewmancenter.org.