This year, the Family Service Agency (FSA) of Burbank marked its 16th annual CAREWalk event with a special recognition, celebrating the Zonta Club of Burbank Area for their impactful contributions to the community. The ceremony took place on a sunny Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Johnny Carson Park, drawing a robust crowd that included local dignitaries and community leaders eager to support this vital cause.
FSA, a cornerstone of community support in Burbank since 1952, annually honors individuals or organizations that significantly advance their mission. This year, they chose Zonta Burbank in recognition of their tireless efforts towards enhancing the welfare and status of women and girls. Laurie Bleick, Executive Director of FSA, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “We are deeply honored to recognize Zonta at CAREWalk 16 for their unwavering commitment to standing up for the rights of women and girls.”
Zonta Burbank's roots intertwine deeply with Burbank's history, tracing back to Dr. Elta Pfister, the club's founding president in 1936 and a noted champion in Burbank’s educational system. Dr. Pfister's pioneering vision of accessible, affordable counseling helped lay the groundwork for FSA's establishment. This longstanding partnership has flourished, focusing on the well-being and support of the local community.
The club's recent advocacy work includes spearheading a groundbreaking city ordinance requiring local businesses to display human trafficking information and hotlines, a move that highlights their dedication to creating safer environments and providing essential lifelines for victims. “Their actions exemplify true community leadership and a profound dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those most vulnerable,” added Bleick.
The CAREWalk event itself was a vibrant gathering, with significant community and political figures in attendance, including Mayor Schultz, Vice Mayor Nikki Perez, Assemblymember Friedman, and representatives from the offices of Senator Caroline Menjivar and Senator Portantino. The presence of local education and city officials, like BUSD Board member Armond Aghakhanian and City Manager Justin Hess, underscored the community’s united support for the cause.
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