Grammy-nominated country music artist Mickey Guyton, legendary animator Tom Sito and special guest WALL•E bring joy to families while supporting children’s emotional health and wellness across Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 8, 2026) — Sunshine, smiles and the spirit of community filled The Garland Hotel in North Hollywood on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as Wellnest welcomed more than 200 families and supporters to its inaugural NestFest, a family-friendly festival celebrating creativity, connection and the importance of emotional health and wellness.
The afternoon brought together Wellnest clients, families, community partners and supporters for live entertainment, interactive activities and memorable experiences, all while raising critical funds to support Wellnest’s life-changing mental health programs and services for children, young adults and families throughout greater Los Angeles.
Grammy-nominated country music artist Mickey Guyton delighted young listeners, including her five-year-old son Grayson, with a spirited reading of the beloved children’s book Dragons Love Tacos. Guyton, the first Black female solo country artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination in a country music category, brought warmth and enthusiasm to the special story time experience.
Adding to the afternoon’s creative excitement, legendary Disney animator Tom Sito led an interactive drawing session, inspiring children to bring their imaginations to life by creating their own animated characters. Families also enjoyed live musical performances by the Heart of Los Angeles Eisner Intergenerational Big Band and Burbank Music Academy, along with carnival games, arts and crafts, hands-on activities and sweet treats. A surprise appearance by the beloved WALL•E robot added another touch of magic to the festivities.
“At Wellnest, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive,” said Charlene Dimas-Peinado, President and CEO of Wellnest. “NestFest brought that belief to life through an afternoon of joy, creativity and meaningful connections. We are deeply grateful to our community partners, sponsors and everyone who joined us in celebrating families while helping expand access to essential emotional health and wellness services.”
Proceeds from NestFest will support Wellnest’s comprehensive programs, including early intervention, therapeutic preschool, outpatient and intensive mental health services, and supportive housing initiatives such as The Nest on Exposition, which provides trauma-informed housing and supportive services for young adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
NestFest marked the beginning of a new tradition, bringing families together through play, imagination and shared experiences while advancing Wellnest’s mission of empowering children, young adults and families to achieve emotional health and wellness.
About Wellnest
Founded in 1924 as the Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic, Wellnest has served children, young adults and families throughout Los Angeles for more than 100 years. As a leading provider of emotional health and wellness services, Wellnest offers a comprehensive continuum of care, including early intervention, therapeutic preschool, outpatient and intensive mental health services, school-linked programs, psychiatric care, and supportive housing for transition-age youth. communities throughout greater Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.wellnestla.org.
Media Contact: Rebecca Haussling, VP of Communications & Public Affairs [email protected]
