“We’re raising money for the gaps that are getting greater and greater in the nonprofit world,” Rochart said.
Center officials are trying to re-create old Hollywood and are dedicating the night to their donors by providing the luxury that the Globe Theatre offers, said Emma Ramirez, center employee and gala committee member.
“We want to make everyone feel like a star,” Ramirez said.
Organizers will recognize two people and one business for supporting the center. Nancy Guillen, co-owner of Employer Bridge Insurance Services in Burbank, will receive the Woman of the Year for her work to help the children of New Horizons, Rochart said.
Guillen has volunteered at toy drives and said she is always ready to help whenever New Horizons needs her. The gala brings together the donors who help the center with their mission, Guillen said.
“They are there for the cause, and they know the importance of their service to the kids,” Guillen said. “It’s great to know you’ve touched a child’s life even if they don’t know who you are.”
Michael Velazquez, CPA and financial advisor for Velazquez and Associates, will be honored as Man of the Year for volunteering his expertise in finance and helping run the nonprofit organization, Rochart said.
“I attend board meetings and help resolve problems — sometimes that means rolling up our sleeves and working with numbers,” Velazquez said. “But what I do is not half as complicated as the people who run the agency — they’re the real heroes.”
Receiving Corporation of the Year will be presented to EBS Payroll of Glendale and its sister company Employer Bridge Insurance Services in Burbank.
