SBDC Welcomes Union Bank as Newest Sponsor

This is a regular feature on philanthropic activities by Valley-area businesspeople and companies. Union Bank donated $2,500 to the Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons. The check was presented to the center on Oct. 22 at its location in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. The center provides free technical assistance and training to prospective and existing small business owners and entrepreneurs. “We are very pleased to welcome Union Bank as a sponsor of the SBDC program at College of the Canyons,” said Steven Tannehill, the center’s director. “We will now be able to couple Union Bank’s generous donation with funds provided through the Small Business Administration to provide additional in-depth consulting and training services to local businesses, at no cost to them.” The Hub Promotes Volunteerism Television network The Hub has partnered with global youth service movement generationOn to encourage youth to engage in community service, announced the Burbank-based network designed for children and their families. The Hub is a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro Inc. Through the partnership, The Hub and generationOn will collaborate to create public service announcements, including community service support messaging that will be televised within appropriate Hub programming. Advertising support and linkage between The Hub’s and generationOn’s Web sites will also encourage youth to volunteer, log their hours and earn virtual rewards. The Hub will also honor outstanding youth volunteers from generationOn with its “Hub Hero Award.” “Our partnership with generationOn is a great opportunity for us to support this worthy organization,” said Margaret Loesch, the network’s president and CEO. “But, more importantly, it gives us a chance to shine a bright light on amazing and giving young people, and to provide kids with even more opportunities to discover their power and potential to help others.” The partnership was announced on Oct. 25 at the Extra Mile – Points of Light Volunteer Pathway national monument in Washington, D.C. Group Awards Philanthropists The Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has recognized companies, organizations and individuals for their acts of philanthropy and volunteerism in the Valley region, the organization announced. Viacom/MTV Networks was recognized as the Outstanding Corporation of the Year, Marla and Steven Kort as Outstanding Philanthropists, John Kelleher as Outstanding Professional, Dawn Slowi as Outstanding Volunteer; Teens Against Domestic Violence as the Outstanding Volunteer Organization, and Carly Simon-Gersuk and Mady Rasey as Outstanding Youth Volunteers. The awards were scheduled to be presented at the chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Nov. 4 at the Courtyard Marriott in Sherman Oaks. The luncheon’s theme was “Change the World with a Giving Heart.” “National Philanthropy Day is the day we recognize and pay tribute to the contributions that philanthropy and philanthropists have made to our city,” said Paula Kupiec, the chapter’s president. Raising Cancer Awareness, Funds Palmdale city employees collected $326 in donations for the American Cancer Society, during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Participating employees contributed money and received pink wristbands with inspirational words on them. “Both women and men suffer from this disease, so even though we’ve made great strides in awareness and treatment, we still need to work together and spread the education about this terrible disease,” said Jaleen Mastroianni, the city’s human resources technician. The city also distributed information citywide about breast cancer treatment methods, screening tools and other risk factors associated with the disease. Candy For Troops A dentist in Newhall bought leftover Halloween candy from community members in order to send the sweets to soldiers in Afghanistan. Dr. Sarkis Aznavour gave cash for candy through his Halloween Candy Buy Back event, which he held from Nov. 1 through Nov. 5 during office hours. He paid $1 per pound of candy that was brought to his office. –Compiled by Jessica Vernabe