Antelope Valley Hospital Gives $12,000 in Scholarships

This is a regular feature on philanthropic activities by Valley-area business people and companies. Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) awarded $12,000 in scholarships to 12 local high school students pursuing careers in health care. A committee led by the AVH Auxillary President Harriet Lee selected the students from a pool of 50 applicants, who competed based on their academic achievements and involvement in school and community-related activities. Applicants were required to have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The students each will receive $1,000. Edward Mirzabegian, CEO of AVH, said the scholarship program is a worthwhile effort as qualified health care professionals are always needed in the area. “We wish these talented young students all the best in their health care careers and hope that they will remain in or return to this area when their training is complete,” said Mirzabegian. “Their new skills and knowledge will be welcome as a vital benefit to the community.” Macy’s Donates to Boys & Girls The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley recently received a $28,371 donation from Macy’s department stores last month. The donation last month was a result of Macy’s Sharing Campaign, which was held this past holiday season. While the Sharing Campaign included Macy’s stores nationwide and supporting Clubs throughout the Northwest and Southwest regions, local Clubs were supported by the Northridge, Topanga and Promenade Macy’s locations. The donation will help in funding the nonprofit’s various after-school programs which serve more than 3,100 members. In a prepared statement, Gary Thomas, chairman of the Club’s board of directors, said Macy’s has donated to the nonprofit’s West Valley branch since 2002, with this year’s donation being the largest one to date. “Their support will allow us to continue to serve the needs of underprivileged youth in the West Valley, a need that continues to grow in these difficult times,” Thomas said. “We are very grateful to the members of the Macy’s organization for their generosity and spirit of benevolence.” Cookie Firm Donates to Troops In honor of Fourth of July, Canoga Park-based cookie company Lady Fortunes Inc. hosted its First Annual Cookies for Our Troops Day. More than 27 employees and family members volunteered to bake, dip and decorate patriotic sugar cookies with red, white and blue sprinkles. More than 1,000 cookies were then sent to various organizations supporting military troops and their families, including Operation Gratitude and Operation Home Front “We are thrilled to be organizing this special day to help show our support of our military,” said Daria Artem, CEO and founder of Lady Fortunes. IT Firm Honored for Giving Westlake Village-based Starnet Data Design Inc. was recognized by nonprofit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for its efforts in helping the organization raise money. The company’s assistance has included its Rebate for Charity Program, which was launched in April 2010. Under the program, Starnet donates 2 percent of its orders to qualifying charities. Over the last two years, Starnet has donated more than $50,000 in charitable contributions to JDRF. In honor of its contribution, the company, which develops IT products and services, was presented with JDRF LA Chapter 2012 Corporate Sponsor Award. “We at Starnet are so proud of this recognition, and want to thank all of our loyal customers who make our contributions possible,” said Steve Marks, president and CEO of Starnet. “We’re hoping to continue and increase our quarterly contributions to JDRF for the foreseeable future.” — Angela Melero