More than 200 business owners and community leaders will come together to celebrate community advocate Dana Cop as the second recipient of the distinguished John Fuller Memorial Award at the YMCA’s Heart of the Community Gala on Oct. 29 at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia.

“The YMCA’s Heart of the Community Gala celebrates the best of our community and the Y’s efforts toward strengthening the lives of residents by recognizing those who have helped create the Santa Clarita we know today,” said Ernie Sacco, Executive Director of the SCV YMCA. “Recognizing the heart and passion in people like Dana Cop not only allows us the chance to honor leaders who have made a difference, but it reminds us of the critical role the Y plays in the lives of families here in our own community.”

“Dana was an active member of our Board of Managers when she passed away, so this event hits close to home for us,” said Gala Committee Chairman Tim Ross. “But the legacy she left, not only for the Y but for dozens of other organizations and associations in the community, is truly one that will not be forgotten. We are honored to recognize someone who not only made a difference in our organization, but in the community as a whole.”

The vital contributions of John Fuller, serving for 15 years on the SCV Family Y board, twice as chairperson, and various leadership positions in other local charities stand as inspiration for the name of the award. Past recipient of last year’s 1st Annual Heart of the Community Gala was former Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon.

This year’s Heart of the Community Gala will feature City Councilmember Bob Kellar as master of ceremonies and a performance by the award-winning Hart High School Show Choir.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign, which provides direct financial assistance to children and families in need and underwrites youth development programs. The event could not take place without the support of various local sponsors.

AT&T is the primary sponsor of the event as well as other supporters including Chiquita Canyon Landfill, So Cal Gas and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

“One of the Y’s primary goals has always been focused on youth development,” Sacco said. “Proceeds from the Heart of the Community Gala will also help support this cause through programs such as Adventure Guides, Child care, Resident Camp, Swim Lessons, Youth Enrichment, and Youth and Government. All of these programs help develop self-confidence, strong positive values, leadership skills and civic engagement.”

Tickets to the event are still available. To purchase tickets, visit www.ymcala.org/santa-clarita or for more information, contact Ernie Sacco at erniesacco@ymcala.org, or call (661) 253-3593.

The YMCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Santa Clarita branch offers opportunities such as before and after school child care, youth enrichment classes, swim lessons, family events, camp experiences and much more. The YMCA promotes character development, healthy lifestyles and family interactions through programming that creates memories, builds community and changes lives.