On a Thursday evening marked by generosity and filled with gratitude, Child & Family Center Foundation honored its 2010 Guardians of Hope campaign charter members with a thank you event recognizing their special commitment to the children and families of the Santa Clarita Valley.
This year’s inaugural Guardians of Hope campaign raised $129,000 in pledges and gifts from a range of community members.
The donated money was earmarked directly for Child & Family Center clients, both children and adults, who would not otherwise receive services due to funding cutbacks from local, county and state resources. These important services include crisis intervention, domestic violence response, substance abuse cases and more.
The dollars raised in the 2010 Guardians of Hope campaign will be available to answer these serious needs through the end of this year. The follow up 2011 campaign will have the key goal of garnering the necessary funds to continue providing the same critical services next year to those in the Santa Clarita Valley with the greatest need.
“These charter members of the Guardians of Hope are just a wonderful group of distinguished individuals and businesses who believe in the important work of Child & Family Center,” said Darrell Paulk, the Center’s president/CEO, “Their investment will help us serve more children and families right now – and prevent even more serious problems in the future.” Added Child & Family Center Foundation president/executive director Lois Bauccio, “The fact that all of these people have stepped up and made their donations during the current economic downturn makes their commitment even more remarkable and gratifying. We can’t thank them enough.”
Campaign co-chairs Cheri Fleming and Bill Cooper also expressed their gratitude to all who so selflessly and generously answered the call to participate in the campaign effort.
At the event, honorary Guardians of Hope campaign chairs Harold and Jacquie Petersen were given special recognition as Platinum Guardians. In appreciation, the Petersens were presented with two original framed oil paintings by local artist, Connie Luechtefeld. In two different styles, the paintings depict the fountain which welcomes visitors to Child & Family Center on Centre Pointe Parkway. The fountain features a bronze sculpture of a family entitled “Spirit of Hope” that was created by Linda Murray, sister of Child & Family Center co-founder, Liz Seipel.
Guardians of Hope charter members Don & Cheri Fleming were acknowledged as Golden Guardians and the Flemings also served as hosts of the thank you event in their home.
Silver Guardians recognized for their contribution were Gary & Diana Cusumano, Sondra & Christopher Paskach, Steven & Julie Sturgeon, Loren & Michelle Witkin (in memory of Jody Witkin), and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Ruby Guardians contributing were Bill & Valerie Cooper, Wayne & Dianne Crawford, Shelley and G. Marshall Hann, John & Janice Hoskinson, Diane and Ken Kreyenhagen, Laina & Rob McFerren, and Princess Cruises Community Foundation.
Emerald Guardians contributing were Kimberly A. Altobello, Chris Angelo (Stay Green, Inc.), Robert & Diane Ayres, Dr. Alan & Risë Barbakow, Lois Bauccio, Michael & Melina Berger, Dylan Best (In Memoriam), Bryan & Pam Blackman, Joyce Carson & Doron Schleifer, Daniel, Stacy & Stephanie Choe, Ric Clark, Russ & Barbara Cochran (In memory of Chuck Stearns), Jeff Conway and Associates LLC, Criterion Wealth Management (Robert A. Gravette), D.E.E. Studio Productions Performing Arts Academy, Robert & Debra DiPrimio, Barry & Peggy Edwards, Carol & Roger Gelsinger, Stephanie & Jim Graziano, Darren & Sarah Hernandez, John & Debbie Heys, Steve & Elizabeth Hopp (In memory of Taylor LaKamp), Eduard & Dawn Hovhannisyan, Internex General Contractors, Frank & Charlotte Kleeman, Connie Luechtefeld, Tom & Colleen Lee, Mark & Ginger LeVang, Drs. Judi & Ari Levy, Iain & Adele Macpherson, Martin & Company CPAs, Barbara & Albert Meister (In memory of Jody Witkin), Jim & Jill Mellady, Steven & Tammy Milovich, Olive Garden/Santa Clarita, Anna Ott (In memory of Randy Ott), Darrell & Patty Paulk, Thomas & Linda Pedersen, Christine & Laurence D. Purcell, Dr. Alan & Elisabeth Sandler, Santa Clarita Studios, Jim & Liz Seipel, Scott & Susan Shepard, Drs. Lee & Joyce Shulman, Silbert Consulting Services Inc., Dean & Sandra Smith, Brad & Candy Spahr, Dr. David Wong, Apo & Janet Yessayan (Classic Designs Jewelry), and Steven & Doris Marie Zimmer.
The Guardians of Hope thank you event was a gift from Don & Cheri Fleming with catering provided by An Affaire Extraordinaire, wine poured by wine educator and sommelier John Bauccio, and entertainment provided by John Pramik.
For 34 years Child & Family Center has been changing the lives of thousands in the Santa Clarita Valley through its counseling, education and support programs. Many of the children and families served are in crisis and require extensive care and therapy. Others are simply provided education and guidance to address current challenges. Last year alone, more than 4,500 local children and adults received treatment for depression, anger, anxiety, abuse, thoughts of suicide, and drug and alcohol addictions. In addition to its three locations, Child & Family Center also has therapists on elementary, junior high and high school campuses throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.
For further information regarding Child & Family Center, visit www.childfamilycenter.org.