(Santa Ana, Calif.) - Rossina Gallegos, board president of the Santa Ana College (SAC) Foundation, has been selected as the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser for this year's National Philanthropy Day.
“I am humbled by this award and grateful to those who recognize the little things we do," said Gallegos. “To me this award is like the 'icing on the cake.' What really matters, is how you use your talents to help others. No matter how small or how large your engagement and contributions are in the community, your work matters and can make a difference."
Gallegos will be one of four honorees to be recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County, at the 2022 National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 17, at the City National Grove of Anaheim. The ceremony will be held from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
“National Philanthropy Day's Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award is bestowed to individuals who have devoted a substantial amount of personal time, energy, and creativity to one or more nonprofit organizations, exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism at its best," said Kay Linan and Sally Lawrence, 2022 National Philanthropy Day co-chairs. “This criteria, paired with this year's event theme, 'Creating Possibilities Through Philanthropy,' which alludes to the countless, innovative ways members of our communities come together to build a better tomorrow, is reflected in Rossina's considerable philanthropic efforts, and makes her a most deserving Outstanding Honoree. Congratulations, Rossina!"
Gallegos, a vice president and director of foundation and community service at Union Bank, has been a member of the Santa Ana College Foundation Board of Directors since 2016 and has served as board president since 2018. Prior to that, Rossina was instrumental in beginning Union Bank's philanthropic relationship with Santa Ana College and the Santa Ana College Foundation.
“Passionate volunteers and leaders like Rossina have changed the game for students and for fundraising initiatives at SAC," said Santa Ana College President Dr. Annebelle Nery. "We recognize this award honors Rossina's selfless work, and we are very proud."
Union Bank has been a close partner of the SAC Foundation since 2009 and has donated more than half of a million dollars for high impact programs and scholarships benefitting hardworking Santa Ana College students.
Under Gallegos' leadership, the Santa Ana College Foundation's Raising the Game Campaign that started in July 2020, has so far raised approximately 70 percent of its three-year $6 million goal.
The foundation has also seen substantial growth under her leadership, including:
- A 103.7 percent increase in scholarship disbursements,
- A 40 percent increase in foundation assets,
- A 101.8 percent increase in annual giving, and
- A 369 percent increase in average donor gift size.
Gallegos seated 2nd on the left side at a celebration lunch with Dean of Counseling Maria Dela Cruz, Ph.D., and students from SAC's Summer Scholars Transfer Institute (SSTI), which prepares historically underrepresented students in higher education for transfer to the UC system, on a recent visit to UC Irvine.
“Rossina has made the time to stay connected with students every step of the way since she has been involved in our work and that is what makes Rossina stand out as an outstanding volunteer," said Christina Romero, executive director of Santa Ana College Foundation and the Office of College Advancement. “We have always known it, but to have her recognized by her peers is so appropriate."
National Philanthropy Day was created to acknowledge the spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit community and to recognize the impact that philanthropy has on society. In 1986, former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 15, as National Philanthropy Day to support individuals and organizations that are active in the philanthropic community.
“National Philanthropy Day Orange County is a special day hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, OC Chapter to serve the nonprofit community and honor individuals, businesses, and support organizations whose philanthropic efforts have made a considerable impact in the lives of others. Rossina was selected for the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award from a distinguished group of philanthropists, set apart from her peers by nominations from OC Human Relations, OC Community Housing Corporation, and Santa Ana College Foundation," continued Christina Romero.
For more information about the event visit https://npdoc.org/. To learn more about the Santa Ana College Foundation or the Raising the Game Campaign, go to www.sac.edu/foundation and https://rtgcampaign.org/.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and provides workforce training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college's School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation's top, two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
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