2024–2025 season in review

BCC Successes

As Burbank Coordinating Council wraps up another impactful season of service, we reflect on our achievements of the past two seasons with President Anne-Marie Osgood at the helm. BCC accomplishments include:

Providing nearly 600 holiday baskets to families in need
Helping send 50 kids for a week of summer camp, giving them a safe, joyful space to grow and play
Reinvesting in a Chamber of Commerce membership, strengthening our ties to the business community.
Reengaging with the community through a revived, consistent newsletter
Securing a new home at the Little White Chapel, bringing us stability.
Building stronger ties with the leaders of Burbank’s other major nonprofits, creating a more collaborative spirit across the city
Organizing and streamlining our storage, replacing outdated toys and clothing with newer, more appropriate items
Making smart financial moves, including putting our savings into a high-yield account
Upgrading our website and increasing our social media presence, making BCC more visible and accessible

Monthly Association Meetings and Special Guests this Season

From October 2024 to May 2025, BCC has brought in special guest speakers to share information that affects our local families and neighborhoods. Timely and important information was imparted by:

Oct 7 — Tamala Takahashi, Burbank City Council Member

Nov 4 — Cynthia Wagner, College Help Squad and NAF Academies Board Member

Dec 2 — Albert Hernandez, CEO, Home Again LA

Jan 6 — Gavin Cho, Burbank Arts & Education Foundation

Feb 3 — Paul Dutton, LASD CERT Instructor and Program Manager and Professional Emergency Consultant

April 7 — Richard Wilson, Assistant General Manager/Water at Burbank Water and Power

May 5 — Erin Barrows, Lupe Santarriaga, Susie Avetisyan and Lorena Romero, Burbank Parks & Recreation

Learn about BCC meetings at https://www.burbankcc.org/eventsgallery

Looking Ahead

President Anne-Marie Osgood steps down on May 31, 2025, after serving a two-term limit as stated in the organization’s bylaws. While most BCC board positions are filled for the 2025–2026 season, currently no one has stepped up to lead the organization. Without a president, the future of BCC is uncertain. Currently, BCC is in talks with other Burbank nonprofits to come up with a solution.

Recent Events

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — May 5, 2025

Burbank Parks & Recreation — making Burbank a great place to live

For 100 years, Burbank Parks & Recreation has fostered community through various programs, events and activities. Erin Barrows, Lupe Santarriaga, Susie Avetisyan and Lorena Romero from Burbank Parks & Recreation shared details about what’s happening during their centennial year.

Erin Barrows invited everyone to participate in Eye Spy Burbank and explore a different Burbank Park each month while completing missions and challenges using the mobile app Agents of Discovery. She also discussed the severe damage to the Starlight Bowl from the January windstorms and how the 2025 season will be reimagined with programming at other locations. Go to the Starlight Bowl website to sign up for notification. In addition, an effort is underway to transform and revitalize the iconic Starlight Bowl to enhance its accessibility and functionality while honoring its legacy as a cherished community venue.

Lupe Santarriaga spoke about the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan, a long-term strategy for the care, preservation and growth of Burbank’s trees and green spaces. The initiative is to create a more sustainable and vibrant urban forest for future generations. Participate in the online survey until August 31,2025 to help shape this essential plan.

Susie Avetisyan communicated details about the Burbank Program, Activity, and Service Subsidy (PASS) Program that provides Burbank residents in need of financial assistance the opportunity to engage and participate in Citywide services. To learn more and apply for Burbank PASS, visit https://www.burbankca.gov/web/parks-recreation/apply-for-burbank-pass

Lorena Romero encouraged everyone to check out the calendar of upcoming events.

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — April 7, 2025

Richard Wilson from Burbank Water and Power asks BCC Members, “Do you drink Burbank tap water?”

Thirsty for fresh Burbank water

The April 7th BCC meeting had another timely guest speaker. Richard Wilson, Assistant General Manager/Water at Burbank Water and Power provided vital and interesting information about Burbank’s water supply. From where the water comes from to how it’s filtered, BCC meeting attendees learned how water is collected and treated before it comes out of Burbank taps as safe drinking water.

Citizens can get a free tour by appointment of Burbank’s Water Reclamation Plant. In addition, Burbank Water & Power will visit customers’ homes to test their tap water. Call BWP customer service at (818) 238-3700 for details.

See you at our next meeting Monday, May 5, 2025

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — March 3, 2025

BCC members share news of their nonprofits at the monthly association meeting and discuss the upcoming season.

Time to plan for 2025–2026!

At our March 3rd association meeting BCC President Anne-Marie Osgood invited members to make a difference in our community by joining the board of our storied organization for 2025–2026. Exciting changes are ahead and BCC needs additional members and board members to make it all possible.

BCC is a Burbank institution that has been renowned for the BCC Holiday Basket Program and Camperships. The BCC mission is to help disadvantaged families in the community and both programs bring joy to families and children who may not otherwise have a festive holiday or the opportunity to go to camp.

Email BCC.info1933@gmail.com to learn more.

See you at our next meeting Monday, April 7, 2025

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — Feb. 3, 2025

Paul Dutton

LASD CERT Instructor and

Program Manager and

Professional Emergency Consultant

Timely fire preparedness information from special guest Paul Dutton.

Our February 3rd meeting featured special guest Paul Dutton, LASD CERT Instructor and Program Manager and Professional Emergency Consultant. Paul has been a Sheriff Volunteer for 25 years and Disaster Trainer for 21 years with the LASD. He shared his wealth of knowledge about how to prepare yourself, your family and your pets for timely fire evacuations. Following the devastating Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires this January, Paul asked the question: “Can a fire like that happen in Burbank?” The answer was absolutely yes, and his expertise on how to get ready to evacuate quickly provided lifesaving information for those in attendance.

BCC President Anne-Marie Osgood invited members to make a difference in our community by joining the board of our storied organization for 2025–2026.

Email BCC.info1933@gmail.com to learn more.

See you at our next meeting Monday, March 3, 2025

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — Jan. 6, 2025

Gavin Cho

Director of Development

Burbank Arts & Education Foundation

Burbank Coordinating Council is off to a great start in 2025!

Our special guest for January was Gavin Cho from the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation (BAEF). He spoke about the great works being done for Burbank Public Schools including awarding over $1.4 million in grants for students over the history of the Foundation. With the goal to help provide educational excellence, BAEF offers grants for teachers to use on experiences, musical instruments, smart TVs, P.E. equipment and whatever is needed.

After introducing this year's board, President Anne-Marie Osgood announced that she and Vice-President Gabe Ayala will be ending their terms this May. BCC will need new leadership for 2025–2026 and is looking for members of the community to join the board. Email BCC.info1933@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more.

With the BCC Holiday Basket Program wrapped up for 2024, we are looking ahead to the BCC Campership Program this summer. Learn more at our next association meeting.

See you at our next meeting Monday, Feb. 3, 2025

2024 BCC Holiday Basket Program Success!

Shopping for extra goodies.

Filling individualized baskets.

Ready to check in families to receive their baskets!

Our 2024 BCC Holiday Basket Program was a tremendous success thanks to our 120 sponsors, 60 volunteers, 260 participating families and the countless number of community members who participated in food, toy and clothing drives across the city. Our friends at local markets and their shoppers donated enough food for us to fill BCC Holiday Baskets as well as donate overflow to The Little White Chapel Pantry. In addition, we would like to offer heartfelt thanks to our wonderful volunteers from National Charity League, Inc., Burbank Chapter; St. Francis Xavier School – Burbank; Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center; Thomas Edison Elementary School – Burbank; Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School – Burbank and Studio 3 Marketing.

Thank you for your generosity, Burbank!

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — Dec. 2, 2024

Albert Hernandez from Home Again LA inspired us with news about the resources the organization offers to families on the edge of homelessness.

Heartwarming community response for our 2024 BCC Holiday Basket Program!

Thank you to all the generous sponsors and community members who donated food and gifts for the BCC Holiday Basket Program this year. The outpouring of support ensures Burbank families in need will have a happy holiday. In keeping with our mission statement to collaborate with Burbank nonprofits, we heard from meeting attendees from LA Providencia Thrift Shop, Burbank Y Service Club, Burbank Business and Professional Women, Burbank Human Relations Council and Burbank Parks and Recreation.Volunteers are needed and welcome for all these fine organizations.

Special guest Albert Hernandez, CEO from Home Again LA spoke about how they accomplish their mission statement to assist unhoused families gain independence by transitioning them into permanent housing and finding employment. Providing financial assistance, training, resources and tools help end the cycle of homelessness and keep children in school for a brighter future. To learn more about Home Again LA, visit their website at https://www.homeagainla.org/.

Follow them on social media:

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HomeAgainL.A.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/homeagainlosangeles/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HomeAgainLA

See you at our next meeting Monday, Jan. 6, 2025

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — Nov. 4, 2024

Cynthia Wagner shared how teaching kids to be professional helps them get into college.

Positive and helpful information was shared at our second association meeting.

After calling the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, President Anne-Marie Osgood shared news about the BCC Holiday Basket Program Sponsors and Applicants. To sponsor, please visit https://www.burbankcc.org/holiday-baskets-donation and to apply, go to https://www.burbankcc.org/familyapplication. Association members shared their news and quite a few organizations are celebrating centennials (and more) including Burbank Kiwanis Club, YMCA Service Club, Burbank Business and Professional Women and National Charity League, Burbank Chapter.

Special guest Cynthia Wagner from College Help Squad and NAF Academies board member talked about BUSD NAF Academy STEM Programs and how they help provide students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in college, the workplace and beyond. Cynthia invited BCC association members to participate in mock interviews to help kids prepare for their futures at https://naf.burbankusd.org/student-resources/mock-interviews

Get involved at our next meeting Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.

BCC Monthly Association Meeting — Oct. 7, 2024

Tamala Takahashi is the first guest speaker to sign a children's book for BCC. Every meeting in 2024–2025, a book will be selected for the guest speaker to sign,

The first association meeting of the 2024–2025 season provided helpful information for Burbank residents from Burbank City Council Member Tamala Takahashi.

The meeting began with a big welcome and introduction of BCC board members and news from the summer break. Guest speaker Tamala Takahashi encouraged attendees to download the Burbank 311 mobile app to report nonemergency issues, request city services and contact city council members. News of parking, traffic safety, infrastructure, new building and a new dog park were all shared by the Tamala.

Government and treasurer reports along with updates on the Holiday Basket Program were followed by introductions and announcements by association members. Attending monthly associations meetings provides valuable information about what’s happening in Burbank, as well and the opportunity to coordinate activities with other local nonprofits. BCC membership allows you to be active in the Burbank community.

Join us for our next meeting Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.

2024 BCC Holiday Basket Program Launch

Community members gathered for the BCC Holiday Basket Program launch event on September 12th to enjoy a happy hour and donate gift cards for baskets. Center photo features 2024 BCC board members: President Anne-Marie Osgood, Parliamentarian Amanda Casarella and Treasurer Denise Bergsrud.

2024 Back to School Fair

Douglas Chadwick, BCC board member and president and executive director of Kiwanis Literacy Club Foundation, handed out 100 books at the BCC table at this year’s Back to School Fair on August 3. In addition to choosing a book, kids from all grades received free backpacks with school supplies along with vision and dental screenings, goody bags and information on local resources and free low-cost services.