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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Warner Bros. Goes Green

This is a regular feature on philanthropic activities by Valley-area businesspeople and companies. More than 600 grade-school students took part Oct. 23 in Warner Bros. Studios’ annual tree planting event. In its seventh year, the event provides school-age children with a hands-on educational experience designed to promote energy conservation and to educate those involved in caring for the environment. The first- through fifth-grade students at Burbank’s Thomas Jefferson Elementary School adopted a tree by naming it and directly participating in its planting. In all, students and more than 60 Warner Bros. volunteers planted 27 trees. Students will care for their trees for the remainder of the year and then give them to future classrooms to demonstrate their commitment to continued environmental stewardship. “By planting trees with the Burbank school children, we hope to teach them that, when it comes to the environment, their everyday actions have a long-term impact,” said Shelley Billik, vice president of environmental initiatives at Warner Bros. Entertainment. “The plastic bags they use to carry their lunches could be around for 100 years, but these trees they plant will be around for 100 years, as well,” Billik said. It’s about empowering them, as individuals, to take positive steps that will ultimately affect the greater community and world around them.” In addition to shading, the trees will provide environmental benefits such as absorbing and filtering storm water, providing oxygen and breaking down pollutants. They will also provide habitats for wildlife and beautify the school grounds. “Planting trees with Warner Bros. Studios engages our students in meaningful curriculum and allows them to discover the job of shared learning within a setting that directly connects them with their community,” said Esther Salinas, principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. “In this way, our students are also developing into responsible citizens as they demonstrate pride in our school and learn to make informed choices that enhance their environment.” The event marked the 15th year of environmental stewardship by Warner Bros. Other recent green projects by the entertainment company include construction in 2003 of the entertainment industry’s first environmental-friendly building, and in 2006 the installation of the industry’s first studio-based solar power system. Wells Fargo Donates to Non-Profits Wells Fargo opened a bank in Van Nuys and North Hollywood, and donated money to area non-profit organizations. At the opening events, Wells Fargo awarded $5,000 in unsolicited contributions to local non-profit organizations as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support the communities it serves. More than 150 people attended the grand opening reception Oct. 6 in North Hollywood at 5300 Lankershim Blvd. Organizations receiving grant money were Computech for Humanity, Hands for Hope, North Hollywood High School and the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The Van Nuys store is located at 6348 Sepulveda Blvd. and opened Sept. 25. At the opening, Wells Fargo awarded $5,000 to local non-profits. The Valley Community Clinic received $4,000 and the Mid Valley Chamber of Commerce received $1,000. More than 100 people attended the reception. $70,000 Donated by Providence Kerry Carmody, administrator of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, presented a $70,000 check Oct. 15 to the North Valley YMCA, at 11630 Indian Hills Road in Mission Hills. The donation was to offset the cost of rent for their Infant and Preschool Center, located near the hospital. Providence Holy Cross had owned the land and allowed the YMCA’s childcare center to operate on it rent-free. The property has changed ownership twice since Holy Cross owned it. YMCA staff members, as well as children at the center and their parents, were on hand for the presentation. Glendale Galleria Donates Goods Glendale Galleria is turning demolition into dollars for Habitat for Humanity in the San Gabriel Valley. The mall is donating equipment and supplies from vacant or renovated retail spaces to the charity’s Builders Surplus Stores, which are retail outlets where quality building materials and household goods are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from the stores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. “It’s a good feeling to be able to donate usable materials and raise money for such a life-changing charity,” said Janet LeFevre, senior marketing manager for Glendale Galleria. “Not only does the community benefit from the low prices at Builders Surplus Stores, but the profit enables Habitat San Gabriel Valley to build quality homes for families in need. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.” “It’s terrific that Glendale Galleria and General Growth Properties are helping our Habitat affiliate with valuable donations for the Builders Surplus Store. We look forward to even stronger store revenues for 2008,” said Sonja Yates, executive director for San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. Materials sold by Builders Surplus Stores are usually donated from stores, contractors, demolition crews or private individuals. Seniors Get Free Flu Shots Hundreds of free flu shots were given to seniors at the Japanese Garden in Van Nuys at 6100 Woodley Ave. at the Senior Health and Safety Fair in October. The shots were provided by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department. Many healthcare organizations provided free health screenings at the event. Some screenings were for diabetes, cholesterol and nutritional issues. Compiled by Mark Barna

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