The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission has seen an outpouring of support from local community businesses and organizations following a devastating fire last month that caused $2.5 million in damages. A “Rescue the Mission” campaign to rebuild the North Hollywood family shelter has so far raised more than $150,000, but even more may be needed once administrators find out how much they will receive from their insurance carrier. “We lost everything, and I mean everything,” said Director Wade Trimmer. “As thankful as we are for the donations we have received so far, we have a long road ahead of us.” The May 3 fire destroyed not only the shelter, but its clothing warehouse, food pantry and part of its vehicle fleet. Walt Disney Co. has contributed gift baskets for the affected families and Universal City Nissan donated a Nissan Frontier truck for a one-year loan so the mission can deliver food to the homeless. Even the L.A. Dodgers held a collection drive at a recent game, an online donation drive and donated tickets to the eight families displaced by the fire. Los Angeles Councilman Paul Krekorian, whose district includes the shelter, said the mission provides an important service and must get up and running again. “This is the kind of generosity the mission needs right now,” he said, in an email. “Making the mission whole again is my top priority.” Other businesses that have contributed include NBC Universal, mall developer Westfield Group and the L.A. Outdoor Advertising Coalition, a billboard trade group. The rescue mission’s Trimmer said he expects to identify and move into a new location in the next 45 days. In the meantime, the displaced families are being housed at other local shelters and another duplex in Northridge that the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission plans to open in December. Golf Giving Providence Financial & Insurance Services Inc. donated $10,000 to be used for student scholarships at Master’s College in Santa Clarita. The Woodland Hills-based wealth management firm made the contribution when it served as the main sponsor for the college’s 21st annual golf tournament. The fundraiser was held at the Saticoy Country Club in Somis on April 28, where 18 foursomes came out to support the cause. “Providence Financial’s involvement as the main tournament sponsor was instrumental in creating an excellent event to assist in supporting the mission of the college,” said Jason Semelsberger, the school’s development officer, who organized the event. Anthony A. Saccaro, president of Providence Financial & Insurance Services, has been acquainted with the Master’s College for about 20 years as a student and member of its President’s and Legacy clubs. “Because I am a Bible believing Christian and because the Master’s College stands for Christ and scripture, it only makes sense that I support them,” he said. And following the tournament, the college and seminary’s president John A. MacArthur gave an address at a dinner for the attendees. The funds will help pay for tuition, Saccaro said, noting that on average, students pay less than half of their tuition and the scholarships pay the remainder. “It’s an honor to help equip students for the Gospel,” he said. Poppies for Sale Boeing Co. Employees Community Fund gave $6,000 to the California Poppy Festival held in Lancaster on April 26 and 27. The money contributed to the festival’s Exotic Animal and Rainforest display, as well as to provide 1,500 tickets to elementary schools throughout the Antelope Valley. The children’s tickets were given by the city of Lancaster to ensure that local youth benefited from Boeing’s donation for the exhibit. “The wonderful people at Boeing help us put together a great nature exhibit every year with their donation,” said Jeff Campbell, Poppy Festival organizer and Parks, Recreation & Arts Department operations manager, in a statement. “We’re simply paying it forward.” Employees at Boeing, which operates a flight testing facility in Lancaster, regularly pool money for the educational fund, which donated to community events. “Investing funds in this venue to educate people of all ages on the importance of exotic animals and their habitat is a great way to reach many and celebrate Earth Day,” said Shelley Jacobson, a Boeing data processor, in a statement. Staff Reporter Stephanie Forshee can be reached at (818)316-3121 or [email protected].
