They’re often the first to be asked for fundraising support; you’ll often find them working as board members for local nonprofits; and, perhaps better than anyone, they truly understand what it means to actively invest in one’s community.

They’re community, local and regional bankers – and they’re deeply committed to the SCV Senior Center New Building Campaign.

Recently, three SCV-based bank representatives joined a press conference at the SCV Senior Center to donate generously to the New Building Campaign – and to register a challenge to the Santa Clarita community of business owners and entrepreneurs.

“As a community bank, we believe it our mission to reach out to organizations like the SCV Senior Center. Over the past several years, Mission Valley Bank has channeled marketing dollars into our ‘Give Where You Live’ initiative, which uses advertising, social media and radio interviews to feature local nonprofits and highlight the good work that they do in Santa Clarita. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on our partner charities and encourage others to give, too. That’s why we’re challenging local business owners, entrepreneurs and the entire SCV community to donate today – because a new SCV Senior Center benefits us all,” says Tamara Gurney, president and CEO of Mission Valley Bank.

“Across the country, seniors are being forgotten. But in Santa Clarita, we’re working hard to support our beloved senior community. If you haven’t yet stepped up for SCV seniors, now is the time – because our seniors deserve and need this new facility,” says Elizabeth Hopp, executive vice president and chief banking officer at Bank of Santa Clarita. “As a community bank, we’re so grateful to the community that has supported us – and that’s why we’re proud to give back. Supporting the SCV Senior Center New Building Campaign is the right thing to do – and it’s our hope that this challenge will encourage other business owners and entrepreneurs to recognize the role that the community plays in their success, too – and how they can, in turn, help the community they call home to continue to thrive.”

“I’ve lived in the SCV for 45 years and I’m only a few life-phases away from requiring the services that the new SCV Senior Center will provide. We’ll all benefit sooner or later from a new facility,” says Greg Spencer, vice president and relationship manager at California United Bank. “The existing Center simply is not large enough or modern enough to accommodate the growth of our senior population or the ever-evolving needs of our community. Of course, as a local bank, we feel compelled to support this cause. Investing in the place you live doesn’t just make good philanthropic sense; it makes good business sense, too. That’s why we all need to pitch in and raise these last remaining funds – so that Santa Clarita can have a Center that everyone is proud of.”

“We’re so close to being able to break ground on the new SCV Senior Center,” says Peggy Rasmussen, Campaign co-chair. “We’re actively seeking business owners ready to partner with us to raise these last funds. We have naming opportunities, permanent on-site plaques and more to give as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for their support – starting at only $500. We’re asking for them to make donations online at Newseniorcenter.com, to reach out to Senior Center Executive Director Kevin MacDonald or to mail their contribution today.”

The SCV Senior Center New Building Campaign is currently soliciting donations and community partnerships. Donations can be made online at www.NewSeniorCenter.com; by writing a check to SCVCOA-Building Fund (Memo: Capital Campaign) and mailing it to 22900 Market Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321; calling in a credit-card donation to the SCV Senior Center (661-259-9444) or working with Executive Director MacDonald to arrange gifts of stock, securities and more (661-259-9444, extension 123). Building naming opportunities, commemorative plaques and more are available and donations are tax deductible.

ABOUT THE NEW SCV SENIOR CENTER
The 2.5-acre site of the new building can be found on Golden Valley Road in Santa Clarita and will serve SCV’s growing senior population and those who love them. Exciting additions to the new Center include an expanded Adult Day Program, Health & Wellness Center, Employment and Financial Centers; Culinary Arts Kitchen; multi-purpose rooms; a “living room” with fireplace and socialization area; and much more.