Car wash to benefit 999 For Kids Foundation to help abused kids.

Santa Clarita Sheriff's deputies will be soaping up fenders and collecting funds to help abused kids between 6 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 at the Valencia Auto Spa on Valencia Boulevard.

 Every year the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station joins in partnership with the Valencia Auto Spa to host the annual "999 for Kids" fund-raiser.  If people in the community need emergency help, they call 9-1-1, but if deputies need emergency help they radio 999.  In 1985 the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Children and Family Services joined together and organized the "999 for Kids" Program as a way to help abused kids. 

This organization was developed in an effort to help children who are victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.  The Specialized Medical Placement Unit and Deaf Services Unit of the Department of Children and Family Services are responsible for the care of more than 1,000 of these children who benefit from the "999 for Kids" Program. The number of children has been increasing each year.  Although tax dollars provide for the basic needs for these children, there are no funds available for the needs that go beyond basic care. 

That's why your Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, with the support of the Valencia Auto Spa, and all the generous residents and business owners in the Santa Clarita Valley are stepping in to help. 

The "999 for Kids" Program raises money for the purpose of purchasing special items and services for these children, i.e., sport wheelchairs, computers, special education classes, medically-oriented toys and games, and a yearly holiday party.  A few examples of how some of the funds were spent in the past are:

• Piano lessons for a child who is blind.
• The purchase of a specialized tricycle for a child with a seizure disorder, severe developmental delays and cerebral palsy. 
• A gastro-intestinal feeding switch and pump for a child with cerebral palsy. 
• The purchase of a television/VCR/DVD combo for a child with a chronic lung disease.
• Purchase of a bicycle and helmet fro a child with sickle cell anemia. 

The "999 for Kids" Program is an opportunity for a corporation or individuals to join others in providing much needed funds for this very special program.  Of course, your contribution/donation is tax deductible and a Corporate Federal ID number will be provided. 

Your consideration of support for the "999 for Kids" Program is deeply appreciated and that's why deputies and other staff from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station will wash your car at the Valencia Car Wash fund-raising event.  About 30 deputies from the station participate in the fund-raiser every year by washing, drying and vacuuming the customers cars.  We will also greet the customers as they arrive at the car wash and introduce them to the "999 for Kids" Program. The cost of the VIP Platinum Works car wash is only $10.00 and you will also be helping abused kids (regular cost is $20.00). 

Tickets can be purchased the night of the event or ahead of time by contacting Deputy Mike Lorenzi via e-mail or at (661) 799-5804.  Volunteer opportunities are also available.  For large businesses or corporations it is a great opportunity to buy tickets for your valued employees to show a token of appreciation during these challenging economic times and also help a great cause.   

If you are interested in donating to the "999 for Kids" Program, but do not have time to attend the car wash event, visit their Web site: "999 for Kids" or contact Deputy Lorenzi if you would like to see the funds donated on your behalf directly through the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. 

Residents, business leaders, community representatives, and media professionals are invited and encouraged to attend the event.  We hope to see you there!