Little Sunshine Foundation Youth Ambassadors at a community outreach event on July 27, 2019. From left to right: Emma Hernandez, Marissa Lepe, Monique Vobecky, Emma Garcia, Kylee Vergo, Ema Perez.
The Little Sunshine Foundation’s Annual Casino Night Fundraiser is at the Glendora Woman’s Club on June 22, 2024, at 5 p.m.
GLENDORA, CALIF. — The Little Sunshine Foundation is a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. The Foundation provides low-income youth with the resources they need to improve their quality of life through literacy and sports programs. They also train young adults to reinvest in their community. The Foundation believes that every child deserves a little sunshine in their life.
The Sunshine Royale Casino Night fundraiser takes place on June 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the Glendora Woman’s Club in Glendora.
“We need your help preparing today’s youth to be the leaders of tomorrow and create a positive spirit of community service,” said Bianca Vobecky, Director of the Foundation.
Last year, the Foundation provided 500 backpacks filled with school supplies, sports equipment, new or gently used books and reading tools to improve reading proficiency, and $3,000 in Advanced Placement (AP) grants for select high schools to help parents pay the $98 AP test fee.
Bianca explained that if a student wants to take five AP class qualifying tests, it will cost them nearly $500. In some cases, parents may have to choose between buying food for their family or paying for AP test fees. The grants help to reduce the financial burden and allow more students the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Fourteen-year-old Monique Vobecky started the Little Sunshine Foundation in 2018. She has a lifelong passion for academics and sports and created the Foundation because she believes “that every child deserves a little sunshine in their life.”
Monique is now a junior at Harvard University majoring in pre-med and plans to become a neurosurgeon. Thanks to Zoom and FaceTime Monique is still actively involved in the Foundation. “You don’t have to be rich or old to make a difference,” said Bianca, Monique’s mom and the Foundation’s director.
Youth Ambassadors and Celebrities at Little Sunshine Foundation’s “An Afternoon of Jazz” fundraiser, Sept. 22, 1019. Front row from left to right: Emma Garcia, Emma Perez, Evelyn Luang, Emma Hernandez. Back row from left to right: Jay Vobecky, Giovanni Perez, Jennifer Long, Emile Lam, three-time Gold Medalist Leah O’Brien Amico, Monique Vobecky, Actor James Pickens Jr., Amanda Zurla, Gabrielle Braganza, Emily Millward, Kylee Vergo.
The Little Sunshine Foundation received the “Nonprofit of the Year” award in 2019 from the Glendora Chamber of Commerce. They continue to set an example for how local charities can improve their communities. Every year the Foundation’s programs provide financial assistance to approximately 2,000 students in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.
The fundraiser features casino-style excitement with favorites like blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, Texas Hold ’em, and live entertainment, a buffet dinner, and a dessert bar. For those that don’t play casino games, there’ll be Bingo where every number called is a chance to win a prize and support the Little Sunshine Foundation.
“This event is not just about the games; it’s a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together,” said Bianca.
“The Foundation is getting a lot of requests from schools and organizations that need our help. We do our due diligence and support the students who need our help. The Sunshine Royale event gives us the funds to continue our literacy, sports, and ambassador programs and take on these additional requests for support,” she continued.
Tickets are $100 per person and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit https://sunshineroyale.org to purchase tickets, make a tax-deductible donation, or learn more about sponsorship.
Youth Ambassadors, celebrities, and board members at Little Sunshine Foundation’s “An Afternoon of Jazz” fundraiser, Sept. 22, 1019. Front row from left to right: Emily Lam, Evelyn Luang, Emma Hernandez, Gabrielle Braganza, Emily Millward, Jennifer Long, Emma Perez, Amanda Zurla. Back row from left to right: Saxophonist Mark Allen Felton, Kylee Vergo, Yaned Busch, Marie Emile, Annette Palazuelos, three-time Gold Medalist Leah O’Brien Amico, Monique Vobecky, Christine Keith, Dominque Pere, Bianca Vobecky, Jerry Jefferson, Narisa Hernandez.
About the Little Sunshine Foundation
The Little Sunshine Foundation is a non-profit California corporation run entirely by volunteers. The organization’s mission is to provide underprivileged youth in the community the necessary resources to improve their quality of life through literacy and sports programs while also providing an avenue to train young adults on how to give back to their community. Monique Vobecky started the foundation in 2018 when she was just 14 years old because she believes “that every child deserves a little sunshine.”
The Foundation has three main programs: Literacy, Sports, and Youth Empowerment
Malaika Jacocks gets her annual checkup from Dr. Rodriguez at the LaSalle Mt. Vernon Clinic in San Bernardino. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual or bi-annual check-ups allow your doctor to monitor your diagnostic readings (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and, if necessary, prescribe medication and/or treatment to bring these readings up to healthy levels.
“Too many people stay away from a doctor’s office because they think if they feel okay, they don’t need to go in for an annual check-up. By the time they start to feel ill, they end up in the ER, and sometimes it’s just too late to save them,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
SAN BERNARDINO, CAIF. In addition to visiting a physician when an illness or injury occurs, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual or bi-annual check-ups that allow your doctor to monitor your diagnostic readings (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and, if necessary, prescribe medication and/or treatment to bring these readings up to healthy levels.
Only 25.2 percent, or one in four people, report having a recent routine check-up. Yet, routine cardiovascular exams alone save tens of thousands of adult lives each year, while vaccines save the lives of roughly 42,000 children on an annual basis, according to the CDC.
Annual or bi-annual preventive health screenings and primary care consultations have also been found to significantly increase life expectancy, particularly among the 30- to 49-year age group.
“Too many people stay away from a doctor’s office because they think if they feel okay, they don’t need to go in for things like an annual check-up,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “And when illness strikes there is no established provider to treat and assist with the management of their needs.”
Dr. Arteaga lost a sister to breast cancer. “My sister never opened up to tell either me or her older sister—both of us doctors—that she had a lump on her breast. Later we learned that she kept making excuses about it, ‘I bumped myself’ or ‘It’s just a bruise’ and she basically ignored it for over six months.”
“There really is no reason for someone experiencing symptoms to put off seeing a doctor,” said Dr. Arteaga. Far more people today can obtain insurance thanks to Covered California, Medicaid and the like, making it much easier for them to get the care they need.
“Health care is no longer an out-of-reach luxury for those who couldn’t afford insurance but is now available for everyone. Our staff are trained to help uninsured people who come to our offices to apply for coverage,” Dr. Arteaga said.
In addition to providing acute care for people who may be coming down with something, Dr. Arteaga and his team make sure to reach out to those who are on longer-term care for a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes and get them to come in for regular checkups so that they do not suffer a relapse.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. call (855) 349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to approximately365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.
Mia Alexia Martinez 14 gets her vaccination from Nurse Elisabeth. Get your flu and Covid Shot at the same time this season.
“Two little jabs now can save you from a world of trouble later on,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
REDLANDS, CALIF. Covid 19 and the flu remain dangerous infections. Medical authorities urge everyone six months and older to get their flu vaccinations now. At the same time, new Covid booster shots are also available, as well as shots for the latest of the Omicron variants and so getting both flu and Covid shots during one visit is the best course of action.
“No one really looks forward to getting a shot, but it really makes sense to get both of your shots at the same time so that you only need to make one visit to the doctor’s office, not two. Two little jabs now can save you from a world of trouble later on if you don’t get vaccinated,“ said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
Who should and who should not get a flu vaccine? According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC), everyone six months and older in the United States should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exceptions. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has made this “universal” recommendation since the 2010-2011 flu season.
During the 2018-2019 flu season, the CDC estimates that 35.5 million people contracted the disease and 34,200 died from it. “Flu kills and most people seem to know it does and so most people get their flu shots every fall,” said Dr. Arteaga.
The CDC also reported that Covid 19 is still averaging 54,186 new cases per day as of September 21, 2022, and to date, over 95.7 million cases have been reported since the pandemic started. Deaths are currently averaging 396 per month. Almost 80 percent of the U.S. population has had at least one Covid vaccination shot and 67.8 percent are fully vaccinated.
Dr. Albert Arteaga Suggest we all get our flu and Covid Shot at the same time this season.
“We have two very contagious and often deadly diseases,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Getting both vaccinations at the same time, if you have not yet gotten your Covid vaccine or booster shot, makes good common sense.”
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., clinics accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan coverage, as well as Medicare Medi-Cal and cash.
For more information call the office closest to you: Fontana (909) 823-4454; San Bernardino 17th Street (909) 887-6494; San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091; Rialto (855) 349-6019; and Hesperia (760) 947-2161.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 380,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.
Jay Diallo, CEO and Founder of First Community Capital, Inc. welcomes certification as the first and only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) located in Southwest Riverside County. First Community Capital serves Southern California and Arizona.
(Inland Empire, Calif.) The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) has certified First Community Capital, Inc. as the first and only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) located in Southwest Riverside County. First Community Capital serves Southern California and Arizona.
Community Development Financial Institutions play an important role in generating economic growth and opportunity in some of our nation’s most distressed communities. By offering tailored resources and innovative programs that invest federal dollars alongside private sector capital, the CDFI’s take a market-based approach to supporting economically disadvantaged communities.
CDFI’s can loan money at very attractive rates to help people buy homes, and small businesses.
First Community Capital helps low – and moderate-income entrepreneurs who lack sufficient training and education to gain access to capital, thereby delivering long-term economic strength to communities while helping small businesses become more resilient.
“We often lend to borrowers that may not meet mainstream institutions’ underwriting criteria, helping to bridge the gap between conventional lending standards and the needs of hard-to-reach borrowers,” said Diallo.
Before starting First Community Capital in 2019, Diallo was Vice President – Community Development Lending Officer at Pacific Premier Bank in Irvine, CA. He also served as Executive Director – PPEP Microbusiness & Housing Developing Corporation (PMHDC), in Tucson, AZ.
Diallo earned undergraduate at bachelor’s degree in political science with a Minor in Economics, from Westmont College in Santa Barbara. He also earned a graduate degree in Banking from Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle, WA. His fields of emphasis included: Credit and Enterprise Risk Management, Bank Financial Statements, Bank Financial Tools, Dynamic Leadership, Analysis of Business Conditions, Sales and Marketing.
First Community Capital is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and a certified CDFI governed by an independent board of directors. The board provides fiduciary and organizational oversight, ensuring it achieves its mission of growing businesses and strengthening underserved communities in California and Arizona. The directors are responsible for approving all lending policies and procedures as well as reviewing the financial and programmatic performance of the agency.
For more information on First Community Capital, Inc. go to https://www.fccbi.org or call (951) 249-5767
Board of Directors
Jay Diallo, Chairman, President & CEO
First Community Capital, Inc.
Mark Davis, Vice President-BDO-PM Canyon Community Bank
Vincent McCoy, Vice President Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce
Fatimoh Muhammed
President & CEO – Wamufat International
First Community Capital Locations
California Locations
Southwest Riverside County
26111 Ynez Rd. Suite B30
Temecula, CA 92591
Inland Empire
2060 Chicago Ave. Suite A13
Riverside, CA 92507
Los Angeles County
879 W 190th St. Suite 400
Gardena, CA 90248
Southern Arizona Market
Pima County
8321 E Broadway Blvd #103
Tucson, AZ 85710
Maricopa County
1510 W McDowell RD #4
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Yuma County
8321 E Broadway Blvd #103
Tucson, AZ 85710
About First Community Capital Inc.
Established in 2019 as an economic development nonprofit agency, First Community Capital has already made significant contributions in helping entrepreneurs to start and grow their small businesses. In leveraging our network of bankers, community development organizations and leaders, we have provided training, seminars, and workshops to about 200 small business entrepreneurs. We strongly believe that with each business financed and each job created and or retained, it represents a critical step in the transformation of a life, a family, and a community.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, and wife Maria, receiving an award from the San Bernardino County Medical Society for outstanding contributions to the community. photo by Carl Dameron
(Ontario, CA) Hispanic Lifestyle recently named LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. as a leading Latino Owned Business that has survived and thrived during the economic downturn.
“Hispanic Lifestyle is pleased to recognize LaSalle Medical Associates as a business that not only survived the economic downturn but thrived,” said Richard Sandoval, president of Hispanic Lifestyle.
“We are seeing the results of seven years of hard work coming to fruition,’’ says LaSalle founder and President Dr. Albert Arteaga, on his honor from Hispanic Lifestyle. “To me, as a Hispanic, this is like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. On an emotional level, it’s like winning the battle of Cinco de Mayo, Bunker Hill and the World Cup at the last minute.”
Since 2007, LaSalle has expanded its Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 170,000 residents of Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group, Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., owns four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating about 40,000 children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County.
LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and the insurance companies participating in Covered California, which is a program offering a state subsidy to middle class families for the health care coverage required by the Affordable Care Act. LaSalle also accepts private insurance policies offered by IEHP, Molina, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, compare motor trade insurance Care 1st, and Health Net and Medicare by Easy Choice Health Plan, Molina and Care1st Health Plans.
Find a LaSalle clinic in Fontana at 17577 Arrow Blvd., in Hesperia at16455 Main St. and in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th St. or 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave.
Dr. Albert Arteaga and wife Maria will be recognized for their achievements as part of
Hispanic Lifestyle’s Business Expo and Conference luncheon on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at the Ontario Airport Hotel in Ontario, California at 11:30 am. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The all day conference and expo features presentations by Latino/Latinas Executives of Influence, a panel discussion on business matchmaking. The conference will be captured for distribution for Southern California PBS television stations and the Hispanic Network website.
“The awardees were compiled from audience nominations and business profiles that have been featured on Hispanic Lifestyle,” said Richard Sandoval, producer of Hispanic Lifestyle.
For more information on LaSalle Medical Associates call (909) 890-0407.
About LaSalle Medical Associates LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and the insurance companies participating in Covered California, and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Care 1st, Health Net. LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patience care with more than 170,000 patient visits per year in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group,
Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.
