Touting Community Center’s success

In May, the Community Center took a fresh approach to our fundraising activities when we appointed Deb Jordan as executive director. The board chose to focus on raising the profile of the Center, add new classes, and showcase our year-round activities.

Our ceramics department has continuously expanded and flourished. Semiannual events brought in hundreds of shoppers to buy from local ceramic artists. In 2012 our two-day spring sale and the three-day holiday sale broke all previous sales records. The holiday sale grossed $40,000 for the 70 artists.

Our preschool’s assistant director, Jennifer Hubert, was named “Best Preschool Teacher” by CV Weekly, while the preschool itself was named “Best Preschool” by the La Cañada Valley Sun. In the past few months, we hosted Girl Scout meetings, LCHS held its annual rummage sale at the Center, we sponsored bridge clubs, and partnered with neighborhood restaurants such as North Shore Burgers, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria and the Habit Burger Grill, resulting in more than $2,500 new funds raised.

Our 19th annual Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive had the highest turnout in its history, registering an all-time record of 1,200 participants. Sponsorship donations were three times greater than in previous years, and the center raised a net total of $50,000 in profits. We are grateful to state Sen. Carol Liu, county Supervisor Michael Antonovich and City Councilmember Michael Davitt, who greeted the 5K participants. Over 1,200 runners joined in the 5K and more than 300 kids ran in the Kids’ Mile. Ross Stores Inc. was the presenting sponsor. Partnering again with the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s station we collected more food than previous years, giving them the opportunity to feed more than 120 families in need.

Recently, we received a grant to upgrade our lighting fixtures, promising a 50% reduction in energy costs. The Gas Company awarded us $1,500 after our gas kilns were refurbished. A $3,000 gift allowed our ceramics department to purchase a much-needed piece of equipment, and last week the Jeanne Ward Foundation granted us $3,000. The Community Center is ending the year on a high note. We are extremely grateful for the community’s support and participation in our events.

Ara Aslanian
La Crescenta

Editor’s note: The writer is president of the board of the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge.