This regular feature focuses on philanthropic activities by Valley-area companies and businesspeople. Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood held its third annual fundraising gala to benefit its nationally-recognized youth/teen program. Among the Valley-based businesses that sponsored the event were Anheuser-Busch, Aetna, Blue Cross of California, Garcia Research Associates, Kaiser-Permanente, OPI Products, Lakeside Healthcare, Mike’s Roofing Services, momready.com and NBC Universal. The event dubbed “Laughter is the Best Medicine/Visionary Awards” included dinner, comedy, music and an awards program honoring individuals and businesses that have shown their support for the facility and its programs. Among the honorees were Emmy award-winning actor and social activist Edward James Olmos and Maria Reza, former LAUSD superintendent, student health and human services. Also honored was long-time clinic corporate sponsor, Carlos Garcia of Garcia Research Associates. Garcia’s Burbank-based company was recognized for its continuing philanthropic support of community health care in the Valley. Focusing on ethnic market research, Garcia Research Associates is especially sensitive to multi-cultural issues. Garcia and his associates actively seek to promote the economic, educational and social advancement of Latinos and other under-served communities. The benefit was held at the Globe Theatre in Universal City and was attended by approximately 300 guests. Greg Proops, Wendy Liebman and Schuyler Fisk shared the stage providing the entertainment for the evening’s celebration. Valley Community Clinic, a charitable, non-profit organization serves thousands of Valley families who work hard but find it difficult to afford high cost doctor visits. For more than three decades, the clinic has provided free and low-cost services, caring for more than 50,000 patients in 2005. Its teen program provides health and pregnancy prevention education and last year served more than 2,800 Valley teenagers. Hospital Fundraiser The Oakmont Country Club in Glendale was the site of the recently held benefit hosted by the Women’s Council of Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation. The annual fundraiser’s intention this year was to raise money for the hospital’s new digital record and image tracking system called ACCESS. The system allows for the viewing of X-rays online, decreasing processing time thus alleviating patients’ anxiety awaiting results. Among the greater Valley sponsors were Rusnak Automotive Group of Thousand Oaks; La Canada Flintridge Outlook; Thomas & Hurevitz of Glendale; and Wells Fargo. “We’d like to thank those people who have shown their support for the event,” said Betty Hurn, chair of the women’s council. The women’s council’s goal is to raise another $125,000 toward the $1.8 million price tag of the digital system. This will be added to the $104,450 the group has already donated. During its 33 years of operation, the council has raised more than $2.5 million for Glendale’s Verdugo Hills Hospital. It has funded a variety of projects including an upgrade of the gastroenterology department and the expansion of the emergency department. “Their tireless commitment and fundraising efforts set an example for all of us,” said President and CEO Leonard LaBella. Boeing Grant The Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery has received a $9,000 donation from the Boeing Company helping to bring culture and art to local schools. Boeing’s plant 42 located in Palmdale, continues its support of the Antelope Valley with this latest grant. The Partners in Education grant will enable educators to request free visits from the museum/art gallery’s education specialists. Since not all schools are able to sponsor field trips, due to budget constraints, a “mini-museum” can now be brought to the classroom. The one-hour presentations in the educational trunk will include topics such as pioneers, miners and Native American history of the Antelope Valley. “These programs will enhance a school’s curriculum in a fun and educational manner,” said Jessica Derrick, education specialist at the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery. Childrens’ Charity Westlake Village’s IO Design, in conjunction with the American Heart Association (AHA), sponsored a recent event to raise funds to fight childhood obesity. The two-day celebration included silent and live auctions with local health professionals on hand to discuss the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle. IO Design will donate proceeds to AHA’s youth market initiatives focusing on the obesity issue facing children in the Valley, as well as nationwide. Church Donation St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Van Nuys was the recipient of a $5,000 donation from Wells Fargo Bank as part of financial education day held on October 27. The celebration was attended by more than 500 local residents who received professional financial advice from Wells Fargo employees. Among the bank’s staff who offered advice and assisted at the event were Sandra Contreras, Granada Hills branch lead teller; Erika Anaya, Pacoima personal banker; Albert Lopez, Granada Hills store manager; Robert Ortiz, Panorama City assistant store manager; Steven Contreraz, Panorama City store manager and Brian Bravo, Panorama City business banking specialist. The contribution will be used toward security enhancement. Westfield Kick-Off Westfield Topanga kicks off the holiday season with its annual charity event on Nov. 10 through Nov. 17. Shoppers who make a five-dollar donation to participating non-profits receive a “Week of Wonders” wristband providing discounts to more than 100 of the retailers at the mall. All of the proceeds benefit 35 non-profits including Canoga Park High School, L.A. Family Housing, West Valley Food Pantry and San Fernando Male Chorus. –Barbara Sheppard
