Since spring of this year, we have been working tirelessly to present one of the community’s much-anticipated events… The Magazine of Santa Clarita’s 5th Annual Dancing With Our Stars. With the relocation of the event to the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center, we were able to keep overheads low, which meant more money could be donated back to our local non-profit organizations. This year, we were pleased to give $18,000 back to the three non-profits who raised the most funds at the August 22 event. The look of surprise and excitement when we presented the checks was priceless. We are already making plans for next year, so don’t put those dancing shoes away just yet!
It is quite an honor for me to join five lovely ladies who are being honored on November 1, at the Single Mothers Outreach Empowering HeArts Gala, one of our cover stories. We are looking forward to the Gala, which will take place at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. I would like to say a special thank you to photographer Brooke Ritter, who I was paired with for the artistic expression portion of the event. For details about the gala, see opposite page.
Speaking of empowering women, we are pleased to feature Dianne Curtis and Cheri Fleming who are also on the cover of this issue. These are two amazing women who have done so much for our community and we are grateful for their contributions throughout the years. Come join Zonta Club as they honor Dianne and Cheri at this year’s Tribute Dinner. See opposite page for more information.
Our office was a bit festive this month as we brought in a Christmas tree as well as some of the children from the Boys & Girls Club of SCV to promote the Club’s popular Festival of Trees, our third cover story. Every year we look forward to the Festival of Trees Magic of the Lights Gala, particularly because we enjoy purchasing one of the many beautifully decorated trees and even a few concert tickets that may accompany it! We are looking forward to this year’s gala, which will take place on Saturday, November 22. Turn to page 6 for all the details regarding the festivities at the Festival of Trees.
There are many successful people who call Santa Clarita their home. We at The Magazine of Santa Clarita have teamed up with the SCV Jaycees to present the sixth annual SCV 40 Under Forty Awards to honor 40 of the young leaders in our community. We have featured the winners beginning on page 12 and look forward to celebrating with them at the Awards Gala on November 13.
A few issues back we asked our veteran readers to submit photos of the time they served in the military. We are honored to publish their photos on page 171. Thank you for your service, and thank you to all our military men and women for the sacrifices you have made so that we may enjoy our freedom. Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans.
As we prepare for the holidays, be sure and take a moment to be thankful for all that we have. Here at The Magazine of Santa Clarita, I know we are thankful for our upcoming 25-year anniversary next month. Thank you to our loyal supporters for allowing us into your homes.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Linda, Moe and Alex Hafizi
