Northrop Grumman Employees Raise $60,000

Employees at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale facility came together last month to put together more than 5,000 care packages for U.S. men and women in the military, as well as present a $60,000 check to the USO. Each year, the more than 3,000 employees at the Antelope Valley site make a donation to the nonprofit, whose mission is to provide support and morale-boosting activities to American armed forces. “The USO cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to the patriotic and generous employees of Northrop Grumman,” said Bob Kurkjian, executive director of the USO’s Greater Los Angeles chapter, in a statement. “Northrop Grumman’s history of giving and its commitment to the community play a major role in our ability to serve over 100,000 troops and their families each year.” Employees hosted a carnival, car show, bake sales and silent auctions, among other competitions, to raise the funds. “Northrop Grumman employees continually amaze me with their generosity and ability to pull together to make a difference,” said Tommy Tomlinson, the Palmdale site manager, in a statement. “Anyone can tell how proud we are of our troops by what we’ve accomplished in just a few months.” The aerospace giant and its employees nationwide have donated more than $1 million to Operation USO Care Package since 2003. Fro-Yo Chain Donates to MDA Encino-based Menchie’s, which operates frozen yogurt franchises globally, donated $234,307 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association last month. The funds were raised through a program that asked customers at each of the company’s 200 stores to purchase and sign a “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” mobile at each purchase. In exchange, customers received a 15 percent off coupon for their next purchase. “Menchie’s and their guests went above and beyond this past month to make their first nationwide campaign for MDA an amazing success,” said Kevin Moran, MDA’s executive vice president of business development in a statement. “Menchie’s ‘Make a Muscle’ mobile program helped raise funds in a powerful and meaningful way. No doubt Menchie’s franchisees, team members and loyal guests care about their communities and helping families fight muscle disease.” The national nonprofit provides health care and support services to people diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other muscle diseases. Sexy Hair Fundraiser Local salons joined Chatworth-based hair product company Sexy Hair in raising money for cancer patients this month. The manufacturer sponsored its Caring is Sexy Cut-A-Thon, with more than 875 salons taking part in the program that offered reduced price haircuts in lieu of a $10 donation to Look Good Feel Better, a nonprofit organization that helps women who are undergoing cancer treatments cope with appearance-related side effects of treatment. Chatsworth salon Colours participated in the fundraiser, and owner Yvette Zarifian said the cause was close to her heart after a recent diagnosis with breast cancer. “Hosting an event that is all about helping and empowering women at Colours is genius, because we come in contact with so many women every single day, and we see how the regime of beauty is an integral aspect of women’s self esteem,” said Zarifian. Sexy Hair has been partnered with Look Good Feel Better since 2008, and has raised nearly $250,000 to date. In 2013, a series of yearlong promotional events are planned to benefit the organization. “Nearly everyone has had a loved one or friend touched by cancer and the effects of treatment, emotional and physical, are harrowing,” said Karl Heinz Pitsch, president and CEO of Sexy Hair, in a statement. Boys & Girls Club Grant The Vons Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley last month to fund its Healthy Habits – Eat SMART Program. The program is designed to teach kids about nutrition and the importance of regular physical activity as part of a larger goal to reduce obesity in school-aged children. The foundation has donated to the program for several years, said Gary Thomas, chairman of the board of the club. “The Vons Foundation has graciously donated to the Boys & Girls Club for the last five years and we are very grateful,” Thomas said in a statement. Staff Reporter Kelly Goff can be reached at [email protected] or 818-316-3130.