More than 300 Santa Clarita Valley residents are expected to come together to celebrate Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon as the first recipient of the distinguished John Fuller Memorial Award.

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The award will be presented at the YMCA’s Inaugural Heart of the Community Gala on Thursday at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia.

“The YMCA’s Heart of the Community Gala is meant to celebrate the Y’s continued efforts toward strengthening the lives of residents while recognizing those who have helped create the Santa Clarita we know today,” said Gwen Bagley, Executive Director of the SCV YMCA. “Recognizing individuals such as Congressman McKeon not only allows us the chance to honor influential leaders, but it reminds us about the critical role the Y plays in the lives of families here in our own backyard.”

Related: Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA To Host An Open House

The vital contributions of John Fuller, serving for 15 years on the SCV Family Y board, twice as chairperson, and various leadership positions in other local charities stand as inspiration for the name of the award.

“As one of the longest serving members of Congress and chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, McKeon has strong roots here in Santa Clarita, having served on the first city council as mayor,” Bagley said. “We are thrilled to honor him with this award for his leadership over the years and service to Santa Clarita.”

The Heart of the Community Gala will feature Santa Clarita City Councilmember Bob Kellar as master of ceremonies, with a flag salute by one of the Y’s own Adventure Guide families.

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Proceeds from the event will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign, which provides direct financial assistance to children and families in need and underwrites youth development programs. AT&T and Petersen International Underwriters are the primary sponsors of the event.

“One of the Y’s primary goals has always been to support youth development,” Bagley said. “Proceeds from the Heart of the Community Gala will also help support this cause through programs such as camp, Adventure Guides and Youth and Government that help develop self-confidence, strong positive values, leadership skills and civic engagement.”

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Gwen Bagley at gwenbagley@ymcala.org, or call (661) 253-3593.

About the YMCA
The YMCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Santa Clarita branch offers opportunities such as after school programming, youth sports, aquatics, members’ events, camp experiences and much more.

The YMCA promotes character development, healthy lifestyles and family interactions through programming that creates memories, builds community and changes lives.

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