Arrowhead United Way Recognize Leadership Donors at Sturges Center

San Bernardino, CA – Arrowhead United Way (AUW) held a special event on Wednesday to recognize members of the Leadership Giving Program which consists of individuals in the community that give $1,000 or more annually.  The event also promoted the local historical landmark, Sturges Center for the Fine Arts.

This year’s event was held at the Sturges Center in downtown San Bernardino.  All costs for the event and a lithograph of the historic Sturges Center were donated by organizations and individuals including Wilfrid C. Lemann, the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, John Alan Winery/Kimiko Ford, Southern California Edison, and Kent Paxton.

Every leadership donor received a signed and numbered copy of the lithograph of the Sturges Center by artist Teodor Dumitrescu.  The original drawing was presented to the City of San Bernardino’s Mayor and  Economic Development Agency.

The Sturges Center opened in 1925 as an auditorium for Struges High School and saved in 1981 by the San Bernardino City Council; it became designated as a Point of Historical Interest.  With help from Wilfrid C. Lemann and Bob Holcomb, the nonprofit Struges Foundation formed in 1984 to restore the landmark which opened to the public in 1987.  The 715 seat theatre is used by local schools, community theatres, dance companies, and organizations the produce pageants and performances.

Notable guest included Mayor Patrick Morris, City of San Bernardino; Dr. Albert Karnig, President, Cal State San Bernardino; Dr. Gary Thomas, County Superintendent, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; Wilfrid C. Lemann, Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick; Debra Daniels, President, San Bernardino Valley College; and Emil Marzullo, Interim Executive Director, City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency.

AUW is a volunteer driven organization that actively supports health and human services by focusing on youth services, family services, and basic needs.  These services address the underlying causes of the community’s issues and create lasting change.  The organization was established in 1891 and is led by prominent respected community leaders; it is one of the oldest United Ways in the country.

AUW encourages individuals to become more involved in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.  For more information about how to become involved with AUW, please call (909) 884-9441 or visit www.ArrowheadUnitedWay.org.