College of the Canyons is giving recognition to Don and Cheri Fleming by naming them recipients of the “Silver Spur” community service award for their involvement in higher education.

The Flemings, who have been supporters of the college since 1999 and continue to contribute to the COC Foundation’s initiatives, are set to be recognized at the 2019 Silver Spur Celebration in March 2019, according to officials.

They both have been involved in the college’s commitment to higher education by contributing to Chancellor’s Circle, Silver Spur, Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center Campaign, Golf Tournament and the Cougar Club, according to a COC news release.

“Don and Cheri Fleming’s visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have truly made a difference in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “Cheri’s hands-on leadership and philanthropy and inspiring, and Don’s involvement with the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, has positioned Santa Clarita as a business-friendly city. The college has been incredibly fortunate to count on them as friends and supporters over the years.”

Cheri is currently a board member and vice chair for the Child and Family Center and director for the American Cancer Society Unit Council. Her philanthropic efforts specific to Santa Clarita have been serving as a board member and past chairman of the Henry Mayo Newhall Health Foundation, and she currently serves as a director of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

As a member of Soroptimist International of Santa Clarita Valley since 1999, Cheri served as a Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) board member from 2010 to 2014. In 2013-2014, she was presiding officer of 36,000 SIA members in 20 countries and has been considered a vital aspect in shaping the organization’s future and overall impact, according to College of the Canyons.

The Ohio native has been named the “2017 Volunteer of the Year” by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal and the “2012 Woman of the Year” by the Los Angeles County 5th Supervisorial District and Commision for Women.

Don Fleming was born and raised in Texas, and then moved to Southern California after serving in the U.S Marine Corps.

He has served as a director of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Foundation and as co-chair and founding member of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation by helping bring forth and retain thousands of jobs in the community, according to officials.

He was named “Volunteer of the Year” by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Foundation in 2015. In 2013, he was honored with the Semper Fidelis Award by the Los Angeles County Chapter 1st Marine Division Family of the U.S. Marine Corps.

With Don acting as president of the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association for 18 years, and since purchasing Valencia Acura in 1997, the Flemings have become synonymous with the local auto industry and have since then ranked among the top Acura dealerships in the country in terms of sales, customer loyalty and overall customer satisfaction, according to officials.

To celebrate the Flemings’ accomplishments within the Santa Clarita Valley, the Silver Spur award festivities are set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 16, 2019, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Guests can enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a display of unique vintage vehicles. The evening is expected to consist of dinner, a live auction and a personal video tribute created for the Flemings.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Foundation, click here.

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