SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - (Dec. --- 2018): The San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation was named 2018 Volunteer Group of the Year at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Inland Empire Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Luncheon: Celebrating Excellence in Philanthropy Ceremony. The event took place November 13, 2018 at Riverside’s historic Mission Inn. The 27-member Board of Directors of the SBVC Foundation was recognized for its commitment of time, energy, and creativity for the benefit of San Bernardino Valley College.

The AFP Inland Empire Chapter is an organization aimed at advancing philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. Every year, AFP recognizes great contributions from individuals in the community, corporate or industry volunteer teams, civic/service clubs, and other support groups.Beverly Powell Accepts Award

SBVC Foundation President Beverly Powell accepted the award on behalf of the SBVC Foundation Board of Directors. “It is an honor to be recognized by a community we are so incredibly proud to serve,” said Powell. She continued, “Thank you to the AFP Inland Empire Chapter for this award. We look forward to continuing our work to support SBVC and its students as we strive for a future in which all who wish to pursue education, may have that chance.”

The SBVC Foundation was established in 1973 to help sustain and promote SBVC’s legacy in the community. All 27 members of the Board are volunteers. According to Executive Director of the SBVC Foundation and SBVC Director of Development and Community Relations Karen Childers, throughout the last few years, the Board has rededicated itself to the organization by committing to attending bimonthly meetings, participating in at least one committee, and making personal donations to the SBVC Foundation.

The Foundation’s fundraising efforts have been extensive over the last few years, ranging from an annual golf tournament to an engraved brick project on the SBVC campus. In October 2016, in celebration of SBVC's 90th anniversary, the Foundation held the largest fundraising gala in SBVC history. This sold-out event brought in more than $142,000 for student scholarships, textbook assistance, and program support.

In the spring of 2018, the SBVC Foundation distributed more than $225,000 in scholarship awards to 321 students. The Foundation’s latest campaign to support student success was "Taste and Tour,” an inaugural event where attendees explored the diverse academic programs at SBVC while sampling food and wine. The 2nd annual Taste and Tour will be held in the fall of 2019.

In addition to fundraising, the Board has also recently created and approved a three-year strategic plan, revived the SBVC Alumni Hall of Fame, and implemented a new investment policy. Childers notes that board directors come from diverse professional backgrounds, and all are dedicated to making the SBVC Foundation stronger than ever.