[KHTS] – Santa Clarita Valley YMCA officials Thursday are welcoming more than 300 business owners and community leaders to the inaugural Heart of the Community Gala at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia.

The event will celebrate the service of individuals who have made a long-term impact in the Santa Clarita Valley community according to a Heart of the Community news release.

The John Fuller Award will be introduced as a recognized, community achievement for business, nonprofit and government leaders in the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Few people make an impact that changes the landscape of a community and impact the lives of thousands of people. John Fuller was one of those individuals and stands as inspiration for the YMCA’s Inaugural Heart of the Community Gala. His selfless service to the Santa Clarita Valley YMCA and many other local organizations has left an inspirational legacy for future leaders in our community” said Gwen Bagley, Executive Director of the SCV Y.

“The Y is so appreciative of his service and we rely on leaders like him to continue the programs that make a difference in the lives of our families” said Bagley.

U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, will be recognized as the first recipient of the John Fuller Memorial Award. One of the longest serving members of Congress and chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, McKeon spent his career in public service to the community of Santa Clarita.

The Heart of the Community Gala will also feature Council member Bob Kellar as the Master of Ceremonies and a special performance by The Santa Clarita Master Chorale.

Attendees are encouraged to donate to help support the Y’s local youth programs.

Proceeds from the event will provide direct financial assistance to children and families in need and underwrite youth development programs.

“We take pride in our commitment to support local youth through programs such as camp, Adventure Guides and Youth and Government,” Bagley said. “It is these programs that help develop self-confidence, strong positive values, leadership skills and civic engagement. It is the local Y that helps create the ‘John Fuller’ leaders of tomorrow and we are very proud of that.”

The YMCA is a nonprofit 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.

– Angelina Bryan