Charities

The Kiwanis Club of Burbank will host its fifth annual fund-raising event at Lakeside Golf Club on Aug. 31. More than 300 people will gather in support of the organization and its 79 years of community service. During the evening, the Cusumano family will be honored for its efforts in the arts and cultural development of Burbank elementary and middle schools and in the community. The fund-raiser will generate money for arts programs in Burbank public schools, the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, the club's scholarship fund for Burbank students and other causes.

While Kiwanian chef Tony Wade Tony Wade was busy flipping his famous pancakes, engines roared, revved and purred around him as exhibitors rolled their prized cars, trucks and motorcycles into Johnny Carson Park for Burbank Kiwanis For Fun Car Show and Arts and Crafts Fair on April 26. This is an annual spring tradition that, along with an incredible display of vintage vehicles, includes a pancake breakfast, vendors offering an eclectic array...

JOYCE RUDOLPH Not only does the Jewel City Kiwanis Car Show raise funds for children's charities, but it provides a great alternative for those of us pining to own a classic car. Happiness for me is gazing at a candy-apple red 1968 Chevy Camaro. But then, a royal blue 1970 Chevy Malibu still turns my head. They all bring back memories of growing up -- Burbank High School, Sorrento Beach and Friday nights at Bob's Big Boy, formerly on San Fernando Boulevard.

Claudia Peschiutta BURBANK -- Everything from a framed photograph of Detroit Piston Grant Hill to a boxing glove autographed by Evander Holyfield could be no more than a telephone call away today. An on-air auction on Radio KIEV-870 AM's "Marino in the Morning" show will put sports memorabilia, weekend getaways, restaurant gift certificates and other items up for bid. The event will help raise money for the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. The auction will be held from 6 to 10 a.m. Last year's auction raised about $15,000, a figure the station hopes to outdo by at least $5,000, said Dave Armstrong, KIEV vice president and general manager.

Joyce Rudolph BURBANK -- Classic cars -- the way everybody likes to see them -- satisfied novice enthusiasts and hardcore collectors at the Road Kings' Charity Car Show at Johnny Carson Park Sunday. Father and son Isaac and Chris Negrete of Sylmar were poking their noses under the hood of a 1952 Cadillac Coupe de Ville owned by Road Kings member Tom McCourry. It's been modified with a late-model 32V Northstar engine. "It's a beautiful car," said Isaac, who retired from GM after working at the Van Nuys plant for 35 years, 24 of them on the assembly line.

Behind all the bustle, expenses and travel, Thanksgiving is meant as a time to pause and give thanks to the good things in life. Even with the United States going through a tough economic spot and wildfires having recently ravaged Los Angeles County, we have plenty to be thankful for in Glendale and Burbank. Over the past year, the communities have repeatedly shown a willingness to step up and help others in need. Burbank stepped up to the plate last winter to house the winter homeless shelter.