Northridge’s Community Sponsors Support Beautification and Homelessness Projects

Much of the good work that has been done in our neighborhood over that last few years has been because of the many volunteer hours donated free of charge.  However, volunteer labor often needs materials, money and expertise to make a project smooth running and successful.  Currently, two examples of these projects, the new “Northridge Stampede” mural on the Catalina Paint Building at Gresham and Reseda, and our ongoing “Clean Streets, Clean Starts” homeless project, both rely on the generosity of individuals, local businesses and non-profits.  The Northridge Beautification Foundation, a 501.c3 nonprofit, has been able to expand their community service projects with a much-needed infusion of money and expertise.

In the case of the “Northridge Stampede” mural, currently underway, the overwhelming generosity of the Northridge Sharkey’s, which donated a sizable percentage of their Labor Day Weekend profits, totaling an amazingly generous $3,148 dollar, has made it possible to continue with the painting of the “Stampede” mural.  Sharkey’s has been a reliable and supportive neighbor, opening its doors to many fundraising activities in the past, including one for the initial funding of our first Reseda Great Street activities.

Sharkey’s generosity is even more meaningful in the context of their own recent difficulties, as they have been the victim of two separate break-ins in the last six months.  We encourage all readers of the Community Connection to patronize Sharkey’s, and their healthy and varied menu offerings, in thanks for their longstanding participation in the community.

We would also like to thank the Northridge South Neighborhood Council for their generous gift of $2500 dollars, as well as Lum Ka Naad Thai Restaurant and the NoHo Regional Arts Council for their contributions of $500 dollars apiece.

In much the same way, our homeless project, “Clean Streets, Clean Starts” would not be a success without the generous contributions of local groups such The Gas Company, which donated $10,000 dollars and the use of their Oakdale Avenue conference room, to facilitate the most recent phase of the CS,CS project, which began on October 17^th.  Likewise, the local property management group LBPM, under the able stewardship of Robert Lopata, donated $5,000 dollars for the homeless project.  Additionally, the CS,CS project recently announced that it was to be the recipient of a $5,000-dollar grant from the Staples Company.

Additionally, the Gas Company was instrumental in underwriting the Third CSUN Day of Service which took place on September 9^th.   Having expanded from its humbler origins in 2015, the Day of Service has grown to become a community-wide event.  It seeks to bring faculty, students and staff together beautify local neighborhoods, work on various service projects, and develop a stronger sense of community between “town and gown”, strengthening those bonds and common goals.

All our community partners, large or small, have been crucial in ensuring the success of our many community projects.  Without their financial and logistical support the Northridge Beautification Foundation would not be the successful community service organization that it has become.  If you are interested in donating to or participating in any of our projects, please contact Don Larson at don8819@gmail.com or by calling him at (818) 401-5522.