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 details of this year's annual Blue Ribbon Gala, which will take place April 1, 2006. This year, Troy Group, Inc. and Gemini Industries, Inc. have become Gold Sponsors by generously donating $25,000 each to the Canyon Acres cause. Canyon Acres hopes to have over 450 guests and to exceed $150,000 in donations.
The Blue Ribbon Gala 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 to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families. This year's recipients will be Carol Hanes, Yard House, and the Yorba Linda Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc.
"Canyon Acres has been committed to providing help to abused children and their families for over 25 years, and is looking forward to the next 25 years of serving troubled children in need of our care," said Executive Director of Canyon Acres, Clete Menke. "The Blue Ribbon Gala honors all of the special individuals who are committed to our cause. In addition to raising awareness, this important event generates much needed funds to ensure exceptional programs and services for the children."
Erin Lastinger, long-time benefactor and the 2003 recipient of the Jim Murray Memorial Service Award, will chair the gala. 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.
"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. I look forward to making this event memorable and to helping Canyon Acres reach its development goals. I also wish to acknowledge the talented and devoted 2006 Gala Committee that has put together this extraordinary event."
The Blue Ribbon Gala will take place at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda in the replica of the White House East Room. The celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception, silent auction and library exhibits. Dinner, entertainment, awards and a live auction will take place between 7:00 and 10:00 pm with dancing to follow. Tickets are $150 per person and are available by calling Canyon Acres at (714) 385-5272.
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.