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CCRC Celebrates 50 Years of Impact at Anniversary Gala   

A night of celebration, reflection, and steampunk flair marked a milestone 50 years in the making! On September 19, 2026, over 250 community leaders, partners, advocates, families, supporters, and friends gathered at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk to celebrate five decades of CCRC and the people who have helped shaped the agency’s journey.  

The evening brought CCRC’s history and future together for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Centered around the imaginative world of steampunk, guests embraced the theme with creative steampunk attire and costumes that brought an especially memorable visual element to the event and transformed the venue into a lively gathering filled with memorable moments. From unforgettable entertainment to heartfelt recognition of community champions, the 50th Anniversary Gala was much more than a celebration – it was a tribute to the countless lives touched by our work.

This anniversary gala offered a chance to pause and celebrate just how far that journey has come, honor those who have helped make it possible, and look ahead to the next chapter of CCRC’s story.

An Evening of Celebration

Adding to the excitement of the evening, guests enjoyed an array of entertainment and unique experiences that brought the gala’s festive spirit to life. A strolling magician entertained guests throughout the night, while a caricature artist created personalized illustrations. Attendees could also visit a photo booth to capture memories and enjoy delicious cookies featuring their photos printed directly on them. Raffle prizes added another element of excitement to the celebration, giving guests even more opportunities to enjoy the evening while supporting CCRC’s mission.

Honoring Leaders Who Strengthen Communities

A central part of the event was the recognition of our three 50th Anniversary Gala Award recipients. CCRC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michael Olenick and Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo were honored with the Champions for Children Award, and CCRC Head Start Parent Council and former Board Member, Carolyn Stewart, received the Helping Everyone Achieve Real Tomorrows (H.E.A.R.T.) Award.

“I’ve practiced this speech multiple times so I wouldn’t get emotional about it. And it’s not working,” Dr. Olenick lightheartedly admitted at the start of his acceptance speech.

Indeed, it has been quite the journey as he reflected on his tenure with the agency. Since becoming CCRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michael Olenick has guided the organization’s continued growth and strengthened its role as a leader in early childhood education, family well-being, research and public policy. Under his leadership, CCRC has expanded its reach and innovation services throughout Northern Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. “What I’m most proud about over the last 50 years is how we went from being a really small organization that did a couple of things to being a really large organization that does an enormous number of things, all of them supporting an enormous number of children and families,” said Dr. Olenick. “This doesn’t happen by chance. It takes a team all rowing in the same direction to make it happen.”

Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo was also recognized for her ongoing partnership and advocacy on behalf of children and working families. Over the past three years, she has participated in CCRC’s annual Back-to-Schol distribution events, helping thousands of children start the school year with essential supplies. She also partnered with CCRC to launch our Fill the Fridge initiative, helping expand our ability to provide food to those experiencing food insecurity. “The work that CCRC does in our community is so meaningful,” Schiavo shared while accepting her Champions for Children Award. “I know as a single mom how critical it is to have child care, where you can leave your most precious thing and know that they’re going to be safe and loved and cared for, and you can go off and work and not have to worry all day long. The work that happens at CCRC, I’m so incredibly grateful for.”

Through her advocacy, Carolyn Stewart has amplified the voices of parents and championed family engagement at the local, state, and federal levels, including Sacramento and Washington, D.C. She has empowered parents to become advocates for their children and is an active partner in shaping programs that strengthen families and help children thrive. “One of the things about CCRC is its longevity in making sure that our children, of whatever background, get an opportunity to grow, to get special attention, and to get the support for the entire family,” Carolyn stated. “Every class that I am in, I make it a point to mention CCRC and their great work in advocating for children.”

Together, Dr. Michael Olenick, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, and Carolyn Stewart represent the leadership, partnership, advocacy, and dedication that have helped CCRC strengthen children, families, and communities over the past 50 years.

Recognizing Community Partnership

Also during CCRC’s 50th Anniversary Gala, Policy Deputy for Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Monica Banken, presented Dr. Michael Olenick and CCRC President Donna Sneeringer with a commemorative scroll recognizing the agency’s work over the last five decades. The moment served as another reminder of the broad community support that has accompanied the agency throughout its history.

Supporting CCRC’s Work for Years to Come

Together, our generous guests, supporters, and sponsors helped us raise over $250,000 at our 50th anniversary celebration! However, the impact of the evening will extend well beyond the gala. Proceeds will benefit three initiatives: the Family Basic Needs Center, which supplies nutritional and essential items for families and care providers; What a Difference a BOOK Makes, a campaign that provides age-appropriate books with corresponding learning activities; and the Michael Olenick, PH. D Scholarship Fund, a program that awards scholars in the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Educational Psychology Program at California State University, Northridge. Through these initiatives, the celebration will continue to support CCRC’s work and help create opportunities for children and families. 

Looking Ahead to the Next 50 Years

For 50 years, CCRC has been there for families – growing from a small group of volunteers connecting San Fernando Valley families with trusted child care providers in 1976, into one of the nation’s largest child care resource organizations. Today, CCRC’s more than 1,400 employees serve 100,000 children, families, child care providers, and community members each month across Northern Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. As CCRC looks toward the next 50 years, it carries forward the same spirit that began in 1976: bringing people together, creating opportunities, and building a stronger future where children, families, and communities can thrive. The first 50 years created legacy. Together, we’re building what comes next! Here’s to 50 years of impact – and to the many years of possibility ahead! Continue the celebration and learn more about our work by visiting our website.

An event of this significance would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of our sponsors. CCRC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the organizations and partners whose support helped make our 50th Anniversary Gala possible:

Sapphire Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors