Biotech Firm to Distribute Funds

The charitable arm of the biotechnology giant Amgen Inc. plans to give away about $2 million this year.

For people such as Dave Morgan, executive director of the Conejo Youth Employment Service, it means more at-risk youth being helped. His organization gets $2,500 in matching funds and will expand its services in the Conejo Creek neighborhood.

For Betsy Chess, executive director of New West Symphony, a $25,000 Amgen donation means financial support for a week of performances in January to expose more children to music.

Linda Hodge, president of Amgen Foundation, said such gifts lets Amgen serve as a good corporate neighbor to the community.

“I think what we do is try to encourage and provide money to help enhance the life of our community,” Hodge said, noting that 3,800 Amgen employees live and work in Ventura County. “I think it does help.”

Last year the foundation distributed $1.5 million to 208 local organizations. So far this year, 237 of 268 proposals have been approved and about $1 million has been distributed.

Grant cited one program that will benefit from the Amgen grant. The program, he said, helps bring employment opportunities to the Conejo Creek neighborhood, an area known for gang activity that receives the highest number of police calls in the city.

Chess said the Amgen donation provides a significant part of the symphony’s $1.3 million in annual revenue needs.

“We’re absolutely thrilled because this is the third year Amgen has made a very generous donation,” Chess said. “In recognition of that kind of continuous support, we’ve named our youth [event] after them.”

Amgen Festival 2000 will run the week of Jan. 17, giving about 13,000 children across Ventura County the chance to hear symphonic music live at venues around the county.

For more information on how to apply for a community grant, call Amgen at (805) 447-4056.