The San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation has been named the "2018 Volunteer Group of the Year“ by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Inland Empire Chapter. AFP is an organization aimed at advancing philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. Every year, AFP recognizes great contributions from individuals in the community, corporate or industry volunteer teams, civic/service clubs, and other support groups. This year, the board of directors of the SBVC Foundation was recognized for its commitment of time, energy and creativity to a focused fundraising effort.
The SBVC Foundation, started in 1973, has the purpose of raising money for student scholarships while sustaining and promoting SBVC’s legacy in the community. All 26 members of the board are volunteers, and Karen Childers, Executive Director of the SBVC Foundation and SBVC Director of Development and Community Relations, said over the last few years, the board has rededicated itself to the organization by committing to attending bimonthly board meetings, participating in at least one committee, and making personal donations to the foundation’s fund.
"The passion demonstrated by the SBVC Foundation Board of Directors shows as unselfishness and unity behind one goal: supporting San Bernardino Valley College students," Childers said. "Many directors are alumni of the college themselves and all share a commitment to the college.
The Foundation’s fundraising efforts have been extensive over the last few years, ranging from an annual golf tournament to an engraved brick project on the SBVC campus. In October 2016, in celebration of SBVC's 90th anniversary, the foundation held the largest fundraising gala in the college's history. This sold-out event brought in more than $142,000 for everything from student scholarships to textbook assistance, and it didn't stop there: over the entire year, the foundation raised $843,367, the highest annual total in its 45-year existence.
This past school year, the SBVC Foundation distributed over $225,000 in scholarship awards to 321 students. With 99 percent of SBVC students coming from low-income families, these scholarships are lifesavers for many. "The effects of the directors' philanthropy are felt all over campus, but the most obvious impact is with student scholarships," Childers said. In addition to fundraising, the board has also recently created and approved a three-year strategic plan, revived the SBVC Alumni Hall of Fame, and implemented a new investment policy. Board members come from diverse professional backgrounds, but are all up to the task of making the board stronger than ever.
"Each director uses his or her strengths to contribute to the foundation's mission to support higher education at San Bernardino Valley College," Childers said. "Because of our directors' work, the Foundation enjoys esteem in the community, which in turn attracts additional donations, quality volunteers, and goodwill toward San Bernardino Valley College."
The Foundation’s latest campaign to support student success will be its first-ever "Taste and Tour,“ an inaugural event where attendees explore the diverse academic programs at SBVC while sampling delicious food and wine. It will take place on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 5:00 pm on the SBVC campus. Tickets are $50 per person and proceeds will benefit SBVC student scholarships and academic programs. Register today online at Valley College's website.