Dan Sterkel is KHTS AM-1220’s August Unsung Hero for his commitment to volunteer and be involved in our community.

KHTS AM-1220 chooses each Unsung Hero based on residents contributions and involvement in the Santa Clarita community.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes since I moved here in the mid 80’s, but you run into friends and people you know all the time,” Sterkel said. “It’s a small, giant community.”

Sterkel moved here for the same reason many people do, he wanted to have and raise his family here in Santa Clarita. He became invested in some of the non-profits located here and then found a new reason to appreciate them.

“I’ve been involved with them for years now but my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in late february early march and that was a shock,” Sterkel said.

Sterkel came up with a Tri Tip Throwdown event and had the proceeds donated to Circle of Hope.

“We had 20-30 people and some businesses bbqing,” Sterkel said. “It was a great turnout, we had hundreds and hundreds of people there.”

Circle of Hope is a local non-profit that improves the lives of breast cancer patients and their families by providing education and support services to those who live, work, or receive treatment in the SCV, according to the organization.

“You can reach out to people like that for help and knowledge in these situations,” Sterkel said.

HandsOn Santa Clarita is another organization Sterkel has been involved with.

HandsOn Santa Clarita provides support and resources to build non-profit capacity and connect local non-profit organizations with volunteers, groups, and businesses to meet the needs of the community, according to the organization.

“They have a poker tournament coming up here in a few weeks,” Sterkel said. “Last year I won a huge smoker.”

Sterkel has also been involved in the Michael Hoefflin Foundation.

The Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer is a public non profit foundation that provides financial and emotional support to children and their families in the Santa Clarita and surrounding valleys, according to the organization. We strive to educate the public and provide grant funding for innovative research to accelerate progress in the fight against pediatric cancer.

“I’ve been involved with them for about 3 ½ – 4 years now,” Sterkel said. “That is just a great foundation, and a great help for kids.”

The organization has taken on a new meaning for Sterkel after his daughter was recently diagnosed with a pituitary tumor.

“My family is my main priority right now,” Sterkel said. “I’m keeping a positive mental attitude.”

Sterkel says he commends the volunteers who are so hands on with these organizations, and encourages everyone to try to do their part.

“It’s great to be there for families, some people can donate money and some people can donate time,” Sterkel said, “either way, just donate something.”

To learn more, watch the video below: