FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-08-028
December 7, 2007
Wayne Crawford Named 2008 Silver Spur Honoree Wayne Crawford has never wanted to be a "sideline" resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, a place he has called home for more than 30 years. Instead, he has been an extremely active member of his community, which is why the College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors has named him the recipient of the "Silver Spur" Community Service Award for 2008. The Silver Spur Celebration will be held on March 1, 2008 at the Globe Theatre located at Universal Studios.  Crawford's exemplary and laudable record of community service includes helping organize the Crawford Fleming Invitational Golf Tournament raising funds for the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, co-chairing the Boys and Girls Club Festival of Trees, and serving as chair of Carousel Ranch's capital campaign to raise $1.5 million. Recently, Crawford also donated much-needed supplies to complete the city's memorial garden dedicated to local youth who have lost their lives in car accidents.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to honor and thank Wayne for his time, resources, care and love that he has given to our community," said Cathy Ritz, chief operational officer of the College of the Canyons Foundation. Crawford's support for College of the Canyons has involved numerous major projects, including the Dianne G. Van Hook University Center capital campaign, the College of the Canyons Foundation President's Circle, and past Silver Spur events. He was also a major supporter of the 2001 Measure C and 2006 Measure M bond campaigns. Crawford serves on countless boards, including Carousel Ranch, the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Child and Family Center Advisory board. "Wayne is one of the most selfless, genuine people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting," said College of the Canyons Superintendent-President Dr. Dianne Van Hook. "His dedication to the community, and care for those in need of help, has set a standard for others to emulate." Crawford is also a man of character, Van Hook said. "Wayne's integrity is unquestionable, and he is a man of his word," she said. "And he has great business sense and a wonderful sense of humor. He is such a unique individual and we are blessed to count him among our friends at College of the Canyons, and have him as a leader in our community." The Silver Spur Celebration was originally the brainchild of LaVerne Rosa Harris, a member of the COC Foundation Board of Directors who became the 1996 Silver Spur honoree. The very first gala was held at the Gene Autry Museum in 1989, with Cliffie Stone as the recipient. The Foundation Board of Directors at the time wanted to create a signature event for the COC Foundation and also to reflect the western heritage of the Santa Clarita Valley. The event remains today one of the most popular elegant evenings for the community. It is traditionally held at historic museums, clubs and Los Angeles landmarks. "It's a very classy and wonderful event," said Sue Bozman, vice-president of marketing and external relations for College of the Canyons. "It's a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones while honoring the service of a valued Santa Clarita resident, such as Wayne Crawford." The Silver Spur Award committee is co-chaired by Gary and Myrna Condie and Jeff and Kiki Hacker. Previous recipients of the award include Aggie Agajanian, Scott and Ruth Newhall, Tom Dierkman, John Hoskinson, Robert Ormsby, Dick Luechtefeld, Roberta Veloz, Michael Berger, Lou Garasi, Tom Lee, Jay and Joyce Rodgers, Gary Cusumano, Charlotte and Frank Kleeman, Tom Veloz, and Rita Garasi. For more information about the Silver Spur event, call the COC Foundation at (661) 362-3639. | 
