Tom Kitayama Award
The Tom Kitayama Business Service Award
The Tom Kitayama Business Service Award was established in April 2011 to recognize a business in the community that has contributed in-kind donations and/or resources to the Foundation over the years.
2017 – City of Union City
The City’s participation with the New Haven Schools Foundation has helped us in many ways. We hold events at City buildings and parks. Staff members in the UC Cares group help us prepare for our events and offer guidance and support. The Police Explorers always volunteer to help us control traffic and parking. They donate auction prizes to help us raise funds, and many City staff and commissioners contribute to scholarship funds on a monthly basis.
2016 – Washington Hospital Healthcare System
Washington Hospital has always been a tremendous supporter of the New Haven Schools Foundation, and 2015 was no exception. They were a sponsor of our annual gala, our scholarship luncheon, our Mutt Strut, and of course, they funded a scholarship for a deserving New Haven student. They take community-mindedness very seriously, and this is evidenced on a daily basis in everything they do.
2015 – Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser has been one of the most consistent corporate sponsors of NHSF for over 10 years. It regularly sponsors events, donates health-related materials for distribution at our programs, and even helped fill a classroom grant request. A Kaiser employee, Rena Cota, served on the NHSF board. Kaiser employees may contribute to NHSF through a payroll deduction program, and have an opportunity to learn about NHSF at Kaiser’s community forums.
2014 – Too Much Fun Club, Inc.
Owner Bridget Russell serves on the board of the Foundation, and is best known for using her magic and resources to make our annual gala our most successful fundraiser. She has chaired numerous events for the youth in our schools, and understands the importance of education and the value of community partnership. Bridget played a critical role in the fundraising drive with the New Haven Boosters Association that netted over $200,000 in 2011-12 to save student activities.
2013 – Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank has been a great business partner and sponsor for the Foundation since its inception in 1981. Accepting for the bank was Brian Hughes, Executive Vice President, Nonprofit Group, and President, Fremont Bank Foundation. Community Relations Manager Julie Zhu has served on the NHSF board since 2005 serving as a director and Treasurer.
2012 – Masonic Homes of California
The Masonic Homes is both a landmark in the community and a steadfast supporter of NHSF. As a regular sponsor of many events and activities, the company is most appreciated for hosting our annual Mutt Strut event and welcoming our community to their beautiful property. Masonic Homes has also supported NHSF through facilitation of the strategic planning process.
2011 – Tri-CED Community Recycling
It is impossible to ennumerate the many ways that Tri-CED has supported the Foundation over the years. They offer regular financial support through event sponsorship, provide funding for scholarships, and make many in-kind contributions that help us to minimize expenses. Tri-CED staff, led by CEO Richard Valle and Barbara Aro-Valle, are regular volunteers at Foundaton events.