The Donald Reynolds Foundation donated $12.75 million to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Lbrary to help fund the renovation of the Reagan Library and Museum’s exhibit galleries. This donation coincides with President Reagan’s 100th birthday in 2011. “The Reynolds Foundation’s continued generosity will allow us for the first time since opening the Reagan Library in 1991 to renovate the existing space,” Nancy Reagan said. “ Thanks to exciting new technology, museum exhibits will tell Ronnie’s personal story – as well as the story of his impact on this country and the world – even better than before.” Featured at the museum in Simi Valley will be static and interactive displays to pay tribute to America’s 40th president and his accomplishments. After the renovation, presidential artifacts and gifts will debut to the public on 26,400 square feet. The new galleries are slated for re-opening on Feb. 6, 2011, Reagan’s 100th Birthday anniversary. During renovation, the library will remain open to the public. Haiti Relief Local residents and businesses in the Valley are doing what they can to help victims of the Haiti earthquake. Residents of continuing care retirement community University Village in Thousand Oaks have raised $17,000 towards Haiti relief, according to resident Holly Lamb. Lamb said nearly 150 resident participated in a two- day drive to help raise the funds. Lamb and Doris Rhodes thought of the fundraising idea after reading about the effects of the earthquake on Haiti. They organized a table to be staffed for people to drop off donations and called every community resident to ask for a donation. According to Lamb the smallest donation was $5 but the biggest was $1,000. “We are so proud of our residents and their willingness to give both their time and money,” Lamb said. Funds have been donated to Doctors without Borders, the American Red Cross, Lutheran World Relief, UNICEF, Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army. Burlington Coat Factory is also collecting money nationally for Haiti locally at the West Hills location. The Victory Boulevard location will collect donations to support the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Relief to be provided by the Red Cross from the funds raised includes supplies, relief workers and financial resources. Donations will be collected through February 17. The Grossman Burn Foundation, in conjunction with the Grossman Burn Center, has sent thirteen portable housing units and other supplies to Haiti. Dr. Richard and Dr. Peter Grossman made donations. The GBC will continue to raise money for Shelter Boxes through Shelter Box USA, a nonprofit that provides shelter for disaster victims. “I am grateful for the outpouring of support our appeal received and I am eager to continue this effort in the weeks and months to come,” Rebecca Grossman, GBF Chair said. In the past two weeks, the foundation has raised $13,500 from 90 different donors. Food Drive Curves is hosting a food drive at its Woodland Hills location to benefit Woodland Hills-area families. The chain is offering incentives to both existing and potential members who participate. From March 1 to 31 Curves in the area will collect non-perishable items and monetary donations for food banks in the local area. According to founder Diane Heavin, the goal is for the community to unite to help needy families. Heavin said members who donate a bag of groceries or make a minimum donation of $30 during March will receive a reusable grocery bag free. Curves also said they will waive the cost for women who are not yet members but would like to join, if they participate in the drive. “We want to show the community just how powerful the generosity of our members can be,” Heavin said. Donation to College The Belle and Harry Krupnick Endowment at the Jewish Community Foundation gave $500,000 to Los Angeles Valley College for its Media Arts Center. The new center gives students experience in media production such as camera, lighting, visual effects and editing. The Belle and Harry Krupnick Endowment, established in 1999, supports the arts and education for a variety of age groups. The endowment has made contributions to the Skirball Cultural Center and the TV series “The Jewish Americans.” Mudslide Aid StorQuest self-storage is offering Tujunga Canyon, La Canada-Flintridge and La Crescenta mudslide victims free storage space for two months in Los Angeles to assist with damage from the recent rain. Community members were awakened to the sound of mudslides during this last wave of rainstorms covering the streets and individuals’ belongings.
