crescenta Valley Chamber of commerce:

“Never let the odds keep you from pursuing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”

— Leroy “Satchel” Paige

If you know Mary Pinola, then you know she encompasses this saying. This year, with the economy the way it is and the odds that people will donate being much lower, Mary Pinola is working extra hard to make sure the educational programs in the Crescenta Valley do not suffer. The 2009 Smart-A-Thon plans are shaping up to be the best year ever. The Smart-A-Thon is a trivia-filled, basket-bidding, laughter inducing luncheon. You might have to go to the luncheon to understand it; however, just know that proceeds from this luncheon go to the Mary Pinola/CV Chamber Educational Endowment Fund. This fund in turn is distributed in the form of grants to schools and other educational programs in the Crescenta Valley for much needed equipment and projects. You do not have to be smart to enter the Smart-A-Thon, just smart enough to know you are giving to a good cause.

In this economy everyone needs a laugh and a good lunch, so join us for only $30 at the Smart-A-Thon that is held Wednesday, March 25, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Verdugo Hills Hospital in the fourth floor council rooms. Please call or stop by the CV Chamber office to make your reservation. You may gather your own “Smart” team or come alone and we will put you with the smartest team. So far we have teams from J’s Maintenance, the YMCA, Bonners Rentals, Bob Smith Toyota, Allied Waste, Prom Plus, the Crescenta Valley Rotary, Glendale Healthy Kids and the Crescenta Valley Town Council. Now those people are smart! Get your application in soon so you can be part of the smart crowd!

And away they go at the Day at the Races, which is being held this Sunday, March 15. Proceeds benefit the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Support Group. This will be at Santa Anita Race Track starting at 11 a.m. and includes nine exciting thoroughbred races, parking, official race program, barbecue lunch and soft drinks. We want to thank our sponsors of this event: Bob Smith Toyota, Citizens Business Bank, CV Insurance, Gilmore Bank and Leo’s All Star Sports Bar. Hopefully these sponsors will have extra good luck at the races. Call the Chamber today to see if we still have tickets left and it might just be your lucky day!

What is your heart telling you that you were meant to do? Just do it. Remember the CV Chamber can help. Join us at our events. This is the best place to become involved in order to help the Crescenta Valley and, ultimately, yourself. Call our office for more information about any event, or to find out how we can help you pursue what you were meant to do.

Important dates: March 15 — Santa Anita - Day at the Races; March 25 — Smart-A-Thon luncheon; April 24 & 25 — 4th Annual Hometown Country Fair.

Please call our office for more details about any event.

How to reach us: (818) 248-4957 / crescentachamber@aol.com / www.LaCrescenta.org / 3131 Foothill Blvd. Ste ‘D.’

JULIA RABAGO is the executive director of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.