Jen Gerard, president and CEO of Whitening Lightning, does her best to keep the people in the Santa Clarita Valley smiling but it’s what she does when she not making people’s pearly whites shine that makes her the latest KHTS Santa Clarita Unsung Hero, proudly presented by Mercedes-Benz of Valencia.
Santa Clarita Resident Since 1979
Gerard moved to the Santa Clarita Valley when she was 11 years old, and has been here ever since.
She went to elementary school at Leona Cox, she was a Plainsmen at Sierra Vista Jr. High School and graduated from Canyon High School in 1986.
Making Santa Clarita a better place
Gerard has kept herself busy in the Santa Clarita Valley, as she has been involved in several nonprofit organizations.
“When it comes to helping others you have to make the time,” said Gerard. “You have to prioritize what is important to you and how you want to leave the world.”
One organization Gerard has been heavily involved in is Help the Children.
Founded by the late Roger Presgrove, Help the Children is an organization in Santa Clarita that helps raise food, funds and awareness for the many families in need in the Santa Clarita Valley.
“I think [Help the Children] is such a well kept secret in this town,” Gerard said. “What they do in this town and around the world with no budget, it’s done with all volunteers and it is just a testament of what can be done if there is a will to do it.”
RELATED: Read more KHTS Santa Clarita Unsung Heroes features presented by Mercedes-Benz of Valencia
Gerard is also involved in the SCV Youth Project, Henry Mayo Hospital Guild, Single Mothers Outreach, Rescues on the Runway, Circle of Hope, Hands on Santa Clarita, Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund, Domestic Violence Center, and Wednesdays Child.
“I see these groups that are in the santa clarita valley that really have a need,” Gerard said. “And people running these organizations are really committed to their cause and it is really easy for me to get involved when I see the work in action in one of these charities, they speak to my heart.”
Gerard also admitted when it comes to helping others she tries never say no.
“Honestly, I have lived here for so long and this valley supported me when I didn’t have anything,” said Gerard. “As my business continues to grow, blossom and be blessed, it is really just a privilege to give some of that back.”
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Keeping people smiling since 2010
Whitening Lightning began as a mobile teeth whitening service in Los Angeles and in only 2 years, their teeth whitening product line caught fire and surpassed all expectations.
Their flagship product, the Whitening Lightning Super Booster Teeth Whitening Pen, is a revolutionary breakthrough in professional grade, at home teeth whitening that creates raving fans wherever it goes.
Now available in over 80 countries, Whitening Lightning has garnered more attention than ever imagined and shows no sign of slowing down. Learn more about Whitening Lightning.
Big things in the future for Whitening Lightning
The Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town has been voted “Best Charity Event in the SCV” three years in a row by a poll of local residents. Over $223,000 was raised to support the Center’s programs for youth in the Santa Clarita Valley at the 2013 event.
Whitening Lightning will be the Co-title sponsor for the Taste of the Town in 2014.
Whitening Lightning will also be part of Doris Bergman’s 6th annual Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge and Gift Drive benefiting Wednesday’s Child and the party also kicks off the Oscar party season.
For another year Whitening Lightning will also be keeping the smiles bright on the hit show on ABC “Dancing with the Stars.” See what celebrities say about Whitening Lightning, click here.
Watch Gerard Unsung Hero Interview, Listen to the Podcast
Watch the video or listen to the podcast of Jen Gerard’s interview with KHTS air personality Verna McKay and learn more about this KHTS Santa Clarita Unsung Hero’s good deeds.
Mercedes-Benz of Valencia Salutes Santa Clarita’s Unsung Heroes
Mercedes-Benz of Valencia is proud to be part of the Santa Clarita Valley, not only giving you the superior customer service you deserve, but also giving back to our community by supporting our schools, sports teams, Sheriff’s Station and nonprofit organizations. Now, Mercedes-Benz of Valencia and KHTS have teamed up to present “Santa Clarita’s Unsung Heroes,” a series of special features spotlighting local residents who make a difference in our valley. With new contributions also comes a new Mercedes management team. Visit Mercedes-Benz of Valencia today.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.
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