The Eisner Foundation Honored as Humanitarians of the Year
June 28, 2010
STUDIO CITY—The Eisner Foundation and Michael and Jane Eisner were honored as 2010 Humanitarians of the Year at the 13th annual Valley of the Stars Gala put on by the Valley Economic Alliance on June 26 at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California. The awards are given annually to celebrate contributions to the San Fernando Valley in business, education, arts, and entertainment. The humanitarian award has only been given out once before, in 2008 to Federal Appellate Court Justice Harry Pregerson.
Since its inception, The Eisner Foundation has been a strong supporter of initiatives throughout San Fernando Valley that promote the wellness of youth and seniors. Over the past fourteen years, the Foundation has given over $12 million to non-profits throughout the region, including the Michael D. Eisner College of Education at California State University, Northridge; Project GRAD Los Angeles; MEND; ONEgeneration; and a special project of The Eisner Foundation that has sent tens of children from the San Fernando Valley to Keewaydin summer camp in Vermont, the same camp attended by a young Michael Eisner and his three sons.
Jane Eisner, Chair of The Eisner Foundation board, accepted the award on behalf of The Eisner Foundation and the Eisner family. In her remarks, Mrs. Eisner elected to thank the non-profit organizations in the Valley that The Eisner Foundation funds. “Without these organizations, and their leaders, their staffs, and their volunteers, we cannot do our work,” said Eisner. “You are our partners, and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to help you do your work with passion and purpose.”
The business honoree this year was presented to Bernards, a San Fernando construction firm whose projects have included the IMAX theaters at Universal Studios, Americana at Brand, California State University Northridge housing, Glendale Memorial Hospital office building and the Calabasas Civic Center and Library.
The education honorees were the various public college foundations in the San Fernando Valley – California State University Northridge, Glendale Community College, L.A. Mission College, L.A. Valley College and Pierce College. These foundations raise funds for student scholarships and other campus programs and projects.
The entertainment honoree was Nancy Cartwright, who is best known as the voice of Bart Simpson on “The Simpsons.” Cartwright is involved in several Valley community activities including the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce where she is a board member, PALS (Police Activities League Supporters), Famous Fone Friends and Make-A-Wish-Foundation. She is also the co-founder of Happy House.
A special award was given to Alliance President and CEO Bruce Ackerman for his 10 years of service to the organization. To learn more about the Valley Economic Alliance, please visit here.
