ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., March 9, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, today announced Erin Lastinger will chair its annual Blue Ribbon Gala. Lastinger is CEO of the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation.
The Blue Ribbon Gala, set to take place April 1, 2006 in the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, also includes the presentation of the Jim Murray Memorial Service Award to an individual, a corporate/business partner, and a civic group who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting Canyon Acres' mission. This year's recipients will be Carol Hanes, Yard House, and the Yorba Linda Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc.
Since 1996, Lastinger has been instrumental in Canyon Acres' success. Her generous donations have allowed Canyon Acres to implement a number of programs for the children, such as the therapeutic horseback riding program in 1996 and the launch of the "Canyon Acres 25th Anniversary Campaign."
In 2003, Lastinger was elected to the board of directors for Canyon Acres and given the Jim Murray Memorial Service Award. This honor salutes individuals, civic groups or business partners who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support Canyon Acres' mission of treating, caring for and healing young victims of child abuse, neglect and abandonment.
"Erin has been devoted to the Canyon Acres' cause for nearly 10 years and deserves recognition for her role in the success and growth of the charity," said Executive Director of Canyon Acres, Clete Menke. "She is a perfect fit for gala chair and will undoubtedly make this one of the best celebrations in Canyon Acres' history."
"I am very excited to have been named chair of the Canyon Acres Blue Ribbon Gala," said Lastinger. "I continue supporting this cause because it means a great deal to the local community-and especially to the children Canyon Acres serves. With this year's talented Gala Committee, I look forward to making this event memorable and to helping Canyon Acres reach its development goals."
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services is the only facility in Orange County or the surrounding counties serving the most severely abused and emotionally troubled children between the ages of 6-17. Since 1980, Canyon Acres has been providing the highest level of care, therapeutic treatment and most importantly a home, to children throughout Southern California who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or mjack@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services Web Site at www.canyonacres.org.