EVENT HONORS AGENCY'S 30 YEARS OF SERVICE.

Byline: DENISSE SALAZAR Valley News Writer

Community members, political leaders and advocates of early care and education gathered Sept. 9 at the Globe Theatre in Universal City to celebrate the Child Care Resource Center's 30-year commitment to assist working families.

The center serves more than 15,000 children and family members each month in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. The nonprofit agency works with the community, parents, providers and government agencies in planning and developing new child care resources.

``This evening is about celebrating not only CCRC's success, but also the success of the thousands of children and families they have served and helped thrive throughout the years,'' said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who hosted the Diamond Anniversary Gala.

The board of directors and staff at CCRC selected two honorees to receive awards for their commitment to puting the needs of children first.

Chris Gardner, the recipient of the the Guiding Light Award, was honored for being a single working father dedicated to raising his son even in the hardest times.

In the early 1980s, Gardner was left homeless with his toddler son, Chris Jr. He recalls often spending nights with his son in a church shelter or in the bathroom at a transit station in Oakland. At other times, Gardner says, he didn't know what they would eat, but got his son fed.

Gardner, when growing up without a father, had made a promise to himself, ``When I have children, my children will have a father no matter what.''

Gardner, who often turns down awards, said CCRC's recognition is special. ``You've got to support anything that is connected with the challenge of parenting young children,'' said the self-made multimillionaire.

Gardner is now the chief executive of the brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co., which donates 10 percent of its earnings toward school and other educational projects in the communities it serves.

Gardner's story of struggle, dedication and fatherly devotion is told in an autobiography, ``The Pursuit of Happyness,'' made into a film with the same title starring Will Smith. The Columbia Pictures movie will be released in December.

The CCRC, which recognizes the importance of early education, presented Dr. Dianne Philibosian with the Excellence in Education Award. Philibosian, a professor at California State University, Northridge, has dedicated her career to children and families.

``I'm delighted to receive this award, and I feel very much appreciated,'' Philibosian said.

``The field of early care and education is truly a team effort, and I am proud to share this honor with my many colleagues who have inspired me in collaborative endeavors and shared the disappointments and successes we have all encountered.''

Philibosian has been involved with the center since its inception in 1976, and she says there are countless stories of families and educators who have benefited from the center's work.

To help the center continue its mission of serving families who need child care, the celebration featured a silent and live auction that raised more than $40,000. In addition, Alliance Bank donated $50,000.

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(color) Dr. Dianne Philibosian, left, the Excellence in Education Award recipient, and Chris Gardner, the recipient of the Guiding Light Award, were honored at the Child Care Resource Center's 30th Diamond Anniversary Gala.

Denisse Salazar/Valley News