This regular feature focuses on philanthropic activities by Valley-area companies and businesspeople. When Western Commercial Bank celebrated its grand opening on March 15, it also unveiled a collection of local art by done by professors at California State University, Northridge. Carl Raggio, CEO of Western Commercial, said the bank will be auctioning off collections of local art throughout the year and donating the proceeds to local charities. Proceeds from the first auction to be scheduled in the coming months will be given to a CSUN scholarship fund. Raggio said the bank hopes to host up to five auctions per year, most of the works will be purchased in a silent auction format, with a verbal auction for more notable pieces. “One of the things we’re trying to do with CSUN, Pierce is work with the students and add this into their curriculum so that they can work with professors on a particular theme,” said Raggio. Raggio said that the goal is to get fresh artwork displayed every 60 to 90 days. He based the program on a similar project at the Ventura County National Bank, his previous employer, which made a practice of displaying local art until it was purchased. He wanted to establish a similar program at Western Commercial and make it a more public event. When students begin submitting their work, Raggio said, the auction will give them the opportunity to learn about the business side of the art world without compromising their creativity. Disney Donation The Walt Disney Co. donated $100,000 to the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity as a way to help Glendale celebrate its centennial. The money will go toward the construction of three new homes in Glendale, in the 900 block of Palmer and the 1200 block of Cottage Grove. Disney Imagineering President Don Goodman, who also serves on the Habitat for Humanity board, and Joan McCarthy, manager of Greater Los Angeles Community Relations for Disney presented a check to Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian at the city’s centennial celebration last month. Employees from Glendale-based Imagineering have assisted in building Habitat for Humanity homes. Honda Supports Program David S. Honda is contributing $25,000 to create an endowment to support CSUN’s new Construction Management Technology program. The university launched its Construction Management Technology program last year to be a link between engineering and the practice of construction and is being taught by licensed engineers with experience in construction. The David S. Honda Construction Management Technology Endowment will help fund scholarship, faculty development and other activities for the program, which is in the Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The program’s students learn the details of construction and engineering so that they can interact with architects, engineers and contractors. “We’ve created a model of civic entrepreneurship for the CMT program and I hope that someday the recipients of this program understand that someone gave them a chance just as I was once given a chance,” Honda said. “Leadership is demonstrated by action, and leadership is also a gift. Honda is president of D.S. Honda Construction Inc., which specializes in high-rise business and medical offices. “David Honda has been a true friend to this college and, in particular, to his program,” said S.T. Mau, dean of the college. “His ideas served as an inspiration for its creation and this endowment serves as a legacy of his commitment to our students and faculty that it will continue to grow and play a vital role in the community, just as David himself has done.” Focus on Family Furniture retailer EQ3 recently donated $1,000 for the Family Services Agency of Burbank, a non-profit family education agency. The money was raised from a percentage of sales from EQ3’s grand opening last month. “EQ3 is a perfect example of the collaborative relationship that we establish with community leaders, business owners and residents,” Agency Executive Director Laurie Bleick said. “We depend on such relationships to fulfill our mission in making families last by putting families first.”