Boys & Girls Club receives big donations

ADAM DAVIS/Acorn Newspapers FROM THE HEART-Santa Paula Chevrolet donated $5,000 to the Moorpark Boys & Girls Club. From left to right: Denise Duarte, Kevin Taylor, Brandon Chott, Zack Young and John Macik.

By Saria Kraft

Acorn Staff Writer

The Santa Paula Chevrolet auto sale, held July 22 to July 25 in downtown Moorpark, reaped a total of $15,000 in revenue that will remain in town.

The dealer donated $5,000 to the Moorpark Boys & Girls Club and paid $5,000 in sales tax to the city. In an unexpected gesture, the owner of the vacant lot at Park Lane and Los Angeles Avenue donated all rental fees —another $5,000—to the club.

Moorpark residents purchased 18 of the 33 vehicles sold at the four-day event, according to John Macik, co-owner of the dealership.

Macik and landowner Herb Rosenkrantz presented their gifts to Denise Duarte, the club’s program director, last week.

"The donations will go toward providing our services throughout this year and toward expanding the curriculum of our technology program," said Scott Mosher, executive director.

Earlier this year, Mosher added a technology instructor to his staff. Programs serve youth ages 6 to 17 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer months. During the school year, the center provides after school care and activities until 7 p.m. at 200 Casey Road.

The auto dealer praised Lyle Pennington, B&G Club board member, for making the event a success and appreciated the support of city staffers Barry Hogan, community development director, and Steve Valdez.

"The city was very business friendly," said Macik, who moved to Moorpark last year. "I came away with a positive feeling about doing business here.

"The manager and staff of Union Bank and the car wash across the street were friendly and hospitable neighbors," he added. "We got a warm welcome."

If the dealership can locate a paved property, Macik said he would hold another benefit sale in October or November. The lot at Park Lane and Los Angeles, which is unpaved, is currently in escrow.

Rosenkrantz, a Calabasas resident who owned the property with his partner, Ed Lewis, was asked why he made the donation.

"Mr. Lewis and I believe that one of the purposes of life is to try and heal the world a little bit," Rosenkrantz said. "It’s what we were taught."

He referred to the Judaic tradition of Tikkun Olam, which directs each person to do his part to repair, restore and perfect the world.

"The Boys & Girls Club helps a lot of kids who have nothing to do, and when they get bored, they do silly things that are sometimes damaging to others."

The retired attorney said he hopes the donation will inspire others to support youth programs that serve low-income families.

The 18th annual Moorpark Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 27 at the Moorpark Country Club. Santa Paula Chevrolet is a third time sponsor of the fundraiser. For tournament information, call: (805) 529-1140.