Galpin Mustang Auction Benefits Children’s Hospital

This is a regular feature on philanthropic activities by Valley-area business people and companies Proceeds from the sale of a 2012 wide-body Mustang built by North Hills-based Galpin Auto Sports were given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The custom-built car sold for $160,000 at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. last month. Before the auction sale, the Mustang made its rounds in the auto show circuit, appearing in several events nationwide including the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Galpin Auto Sports President, Beau Boeckmann, said the company was excited to be given the opportunity to bring one of its “labors of love” to a high-profile auction block such as the Barrett-Jackson event that supports cancer research. “We’re proud to have been part of this project and hope the new owner enjoys this great vehicle and thank them for contributing to such a worthwhile cause.” IHOP Pancake Fundraiser to Support Hospital Network Glendale-based restaurant chain, IHOP, aims to raise $2.7 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities through its National Pancake Day event on Feb. 28. The annual fundraiser allows guests a free short stack of pancakes with the “hope that they will consider making a voluntary contribution” to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in their area, company officials said. Founded in 1983, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals nationwide through partnerships with major corporations and television and radio networks and celebrities. IHOP is aiming to beat the $2.5 million it raised last year. For those who are unable to visit an IHOP establishment on the event, the company is allowing guests to contribute online throughout the month. Also, IHOP restaurants nationwide will sell personalized paper balloons that will be displayed this month. The balloons will be priced at $1 and $5. JC Penney Donates to Local Boys & Girls Club Department store chain, JC Penney, donated $7,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley in support of the Club’s afterschool programs. The grant is part of a larger multi-million-dollar distribution from the retailer benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of America and other youth organizations. JC Penney has worked with the BGCA to provide young people with a safe afterschool environment since 1999, donating more than $30 million to its programs and families that cannot afford afterschool services. “Participating in an afterschool program not only keeps kids safe, it engages them in a positive learning environment that helps them reach their full potential in life,” said Gary Thomas, chairman of the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley. Westlake Lounge Hosts Super Bowl Party for Charity On Feb. 5, Bogies Bar and Lounge in Westlake Village hosted a Super Bowl Sunday chili cook-off in support of FOOD Share, a food bank in Ventura County. A panel of judges chose their favorites from a variety of spicy chili samples. The event also included live entertainment, a classic car show and a raffle. While admittance to the event was free, participants in the chili tasting were charged $15, 100 percent of which was donated to FOOD Share. Extended Family Helps Single Father A local school teacher was given a grant totaling more than $20,000 last month by Woodland Hills-based nonprofit Extended Family. Brian Yablon, a single father of four and teacher at Woodland Hills Academy, has been struggling financially for the past three years. Yablon’s wife left the family three years ago, right around the time he received a substantial cut in his salary, Extended Family officials said. In a prepared statement, Yablon said his financial troubles have been affected his family both emotionally and psychologically and living under such stress has been “hard.” Extended Family, an organization specializes in assisting single parent families in need, stepped in to help. Yablon and his family were given a new iMac computer and printer as well as a cash donation of $7,800. They will also receive $1,000 per month for the next 11 months. Extended Family founder, Mark Carmer, said the Yablon family deserved to be rewarded. “Being a good single parent is tough enough, but being a good single parent with limited financial resources and little or no support from family or friends is almost impossible,” Carmer said. “Extended Family tries to make it a little easier.”