Counseling center hosts laugh event

In celebration of National Foster Care Awareness Month, Counseling4Kids hosted an event for 200 foster children and their families at Flappers Comedy Club in Downtown Burbank.

This was an outreach event for clients and families of Counseling4Kids, officials said. The event was inspired by healing through laughter and celebrated those who make a difference in the lives of Los Angeles County foster children by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, advocates, volunteers and the children themselves.

The event was free for all guests with the help of sponsors such as Allegory Photography, U.S. Bank, Burbank Sunrise Kiwanis, Super Shuttle, City National Bank and Burbank Sunrise Rotary. The day’s agenda included a red carpet walk, buffet lunch, family comedy show and goodie bags.

Counseling4Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides effective mental health services to abused and neglected children and youth in the foster care system throughout Los Angeles County. For more information, visit www.counseing4kids.org.

Children raise funds for earthquake relief

The students and parents of youngsters enrolled at Fun & Fit Gymnastics centers in Burbank, Simi Valley and Santa Clarita rolled up their sleeves and opened their wallets to raise $4,000 for the American Red Cross’ efforts to assist the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan.

Students as young as 12 months old performed rolls down soft incline mats while older kids and teens performed cartwheels and other tumbling skills and asked sponsors to donate for each skill performed.

“I wanted to provide the kids an opportunity to help others in need,” said Jeff Lulla, president of Fun & Fit Gymnastics. “In the past we have supported the Children’s Miracle Network, and following Hurricane Katrina, we raised thousands for the Red Cross to support flood victims in New Orleans. It feels wonderful to know that we can help make a difference.”

Girls Scouts donate blankets to babies

Glendale Girl Scout Troop 221 delivered blankets to the maternity ward at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center's maternity ward as part of the Girl Scout Bronze Award.

Blanca Valenzuela and her son, James, met the members of Troop 221 along with employee Kristin Anderson and registered nurse Cathy Ragasa, who hosted the tour.

Burbank YMCA names board members