May 20 presented with a beautiful spring evening for the CFV’s Annual Event at the La Canada Country Club. With views embracing an expanse of the Verdugo region, approximately 100 guests heard Foundation news while socializing with other supporters against a background of harp and flute compositions. The Annual Event is held as part of the Foundation’s role in keeping the community apprised of its service. Guests mingled with Board members and viewed information displays affixed with photos and details on key grants and activities. The event also thanks donors for their support of the Foundation’s work – work that is generated back into philanthropic resources for area nonprofits. Adding to the education were copies of the Foundation’s 2009 Annual Reports containing detailed run-downs of the previous year including financials, donor and fund listings, and grants issued. Part of the evening’s program included, naturally, speakers: Michael W. Deaktor, president; Bob Knauf, vice president; Doris Boyer, past board member; Michael Velazquez, immediate past president; and Edna Karinski, CEO. Topics covered financials and the annual report, grants and the Foundation’s focus on leveraged gifts, and the Legacy Committee. But the real highlights were the grantee stories. Board of Director Bruce Hinckley provided guests with a clear perspective on the importance of the Foundation’s $10,000 grant to the Salvation Army’s ZONE after school program. Glendale Adventist Medical Center’s Andrei Nikitin, philanthropy officer, Terry Young, NICU manager, and Dro Abrahamian, GAMC’s Foundation president, recounted the importance of CFV’s grant toward the cost of a Giraffe Omni-bed. These are state-of-the-art devices for the community’s premature babies being cared for in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This $15,000 grant was also the Foundation’s largest single grant to date. Following the Omni-bed presentation was College View PTA President Andrea Crissman whose story tugged at people’s hearts. Speaking about the Foundation’s $10,000 grant which made the new playground structure at College View School possible, Andrea explained that her direct experience with community support and caring was through her son, a student at the school. College View is unique in that it serves all developmentally disabled students in the Verdugo region with specialized care in the least restrictive setting. With few dry eyes in the room, Andrea further explained that her son had been born premature, requiring the healthcare services of a NICU in the first critical months of his life. Drawing full circle to her story, Andrea brought home the vital importance of philanthropic support in a community – how this support directly affects the quality of life in a community and how we are all connected through the benefits that we all gain. It’s often difficult to influence people in a short amount of time, but guests left the event feeling inspired. It is the Foundation’s goal that by sharing news through such gatherings, guests will be able to share the same news with others. Much appreciation is extended to all who attended and participated in the 2010 Annual Event and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2011.