She’s got just the right mix of compassion, competitive spirit and the seasoned talent of an experienced dancer.

Marsha McLean is lacing up her dance shoes for the benefit of two local causes, The SCV Emergency Winter Shelter and the SCV Food Pantry, at the “Dancing with Our Stars” event.

The Food Pantry and Homeless Shelter have been long-standing pillars of help for those in greatest need in the SCV. Board members and staff of the shelter and pantry are thrilled to have McLean’s support in this year’s competition.

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“We are certainly lucky to have the support of the Mayor,” said Tim Davis, the shelter’s executive director. “Fundraising for the shelter had taken a hit after the economy tanked, but we’re hopeful that with Marsha’s support we can pull in some much needed support for our homeless clients. We certainly have much confidence in Marsha’s dancing skills but much of the success of this partnership is based on the community’s votes and support.”

“We at the SCV Food Pantry are honored that Mayor, Marsha McLean has chosen to dance this year for the Food Pantry and the Winter Shelter,” said Belinda Crawford, executive director of the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry.  “We stretch each dollar until George Washington screams, so every dollar raised in votes for Marsha will help more needy families put food on their tables.  Marsha truly cares about people and has a special place in her heart for those less fortunate in our community.”

For 14 winters, the Winter Shelter has assisted the SCV’s homeless. The shelter has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of clients seeking warm bed and a meal every night. This season, on average more than 40 single clients per night have found refuge at the shelter. Some nights, as many as 58 people have slept, showered, and received 3 meals in a safe and warm environment. So far this winter more than 19 local families have also found assistance at the shelter.

On March 18th at 6 p.m., the homeless shelter is hosting “Dinner With Our Mayor” at the shelter located at 23031 Drayton Street in Newhall.  Seats to this dinner are $100 each and count towards attendees votes for McLean in the Dancing With Our Stars event on April 2. All proceeds will benefit the Winter Shelter.

Attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner catered by a local restaurant to be determined. Guests will be dined and entertained in the shelter’s dining room.  Randy Lubas of J.R.’s Comedy Club will emcee the event.

Shelter supporters can cast their vote for Marsha at www.santaclaritashelter.com or by mailing a check to:

SCCDC-Winter Shelter

PO Box 802978
Santa Clarita, CA 91380

The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary of neighbors helping neighbors because no child in the Santa Clarita Valley should go to bed hungry.  What a difference 25 years makes — from the first distribution where one bottle of cooking oil was shared by two clients to more than 2,000 pounds of food distributed daily to low income families in the Santa Clarita Valley — and the need continues to grow.  More than 6,500 individuals, including over 3,000 children and 800 senior citizens received services from the SCV Food Pantry in 2009 alone.  Your donation really does make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our valley.

Those who would like to support the SCV Food Pantry can vote for Marsha at www.scvfoodpantry.org. Click on “Donate Now” page.  Contact Belinda Crawford at 255.9078 for credit card donation or mail a check to:

Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry

24133 Railroad Avenue
Newhall, CA 91321

Please write “Dancing with Our Stars” in the memo line.