With over 2,000 people in attendance, the UAV’s “Caring for the Community” event was a huge success!

LANCASTER, CA – The University of Antelope Valley continued to show its commitment to our community, by hosting the 8th Annual “Caring for the Community” event on Saturday December 13th, 2014 at UAV’s Sierra Hwy campus. Started by UAV founders, Marco and Sandra Johnson, Caring for the Community had humble beginnings, as the Johnson family distributed flyers throughout our community themselves, drawing approximately 20 - 30 people in attendance in its first year. This year, not only were there over 2,000 people in attendance and over 2,500 toys distributed, but the Johnsons’ continue to play an active role in the event.

“This year’s Caring for the Community exceeded all of our expectations! Everybody lent a helping hand, as there were over 100 volunteers, staff members, students and athletes, that showed their community support. UAV’s Student Council distributed over 400 articles of clothing; including jackets, jeans, hats, gloves and other winter wear,” said UAV Banquet Manager Pam Mazor.

However, catering to the needs of our community is a daunting task, had it not been for the support of local leaders within our community. City leaders, members of our community and our local sheriff’s department, were all working side by side toward a common goal. Lancaster Vice Mayor, Marvin Crist, and Councilman Ken Mann, personally donated 300 brand new coats to those in need. Newly elected Congressman Steve Knight donated bags of toys for our local children, along with the Lancaster JetHawks organization, who donated toys as well.

Not only did families in need receive much needed clothing, but they were also served a holiday meal with all the trimmings. Mazor went onto say, “It was a wonderful day all around, but the most memorable thing for me was seeing the joy on the parents’ and children's faces, as they sat with Santa and received their gifts. Whether it was a doll or a bike, the way the children’s faces lit up was so inspiring, and I think we all walked away that day feeling the true holiday spirit.”

The Johnsons’, however, were not alone in their quest to serve our community, as local organizations like Walmart, Toys for Tots, the Lancaster Sheriff’s department and many others, were eager to chip in and play an integral part in this year’s success.

More Photos at: http://uav.edu/index.aspx?page=28&recordid=571&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

The Marco & Sandra Johnson Foundation presents its 8th Annual Free Holiday Dinner

LANCASTER, CA – The University of Antelope Valley exemplifies the spirit of giving year-round, however, this altruistic spirit is never more evident than during each holiday season.

The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation and the University of Antelope Valley annually extend a helping hand to those in need during the year-end holiday season by hosting an annual "Caring for the Community" dinner service and toy distribution.

The free holiday turkey dinner with all the trimmings is prepared by the UAV Culinary Arts School and includes hot turkey, dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, several desserts, and beverages. The meal service is extended to everyone in the community. The dining venue includes two dining experiences, which include a restaurant enclosed in etched glass windows, oak furnishings, crystal chandeliers and servers eager to accommodate, or El Fresco dining in the expansive quad with an even more relaxed atmosphere surrounded by trees, umbrella tables, music and a buffet served by volunteer culinary students. Our guests decide where they would like to dine and are seated as quickly as possible.



Santa Claus presents a toy, bicycle, shoes or clothes to each child in attendance. More than 2,400 meals served in the past seven years. Volunteers include UAV students and alumni, faculty and staff, the local Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept, community leaders, the T.I.F.F. Foundation, and neighborhood volunteers.

8th Annual Caring for the Community
Saturday, December 13, 2014
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
University of Antelope Valley
44055 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93536

“This will be my fifth year participating, and I see firsthand the lives that are touched by this event. For some this is their only meal for the day and for some children the only present they will receive. Some people may not realize that UAV Founders, Marco and Sandra Johnson, are working every event, joined by their children Devion and Tiffany. The Johnson’s arrive first each year for this event, assembling bicycles, setting up patio tables, preparing the dining room, and passing out gifts; they stay until the very end, without taking a break. I'm honored to be a part of such a great community event,” said UAV Banquet Manager Pam Mazor.

To find out more about how you can get involved with the “Caring for the Community” outreach event, by volunteering your time, or donating non-perishable foods and/or gently worn winter wear please contact Ashley Clutter at (661) 726-1911 or ashley.clutter@uav.edu.

You can make a difference, because community matters!

The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation present a $10,000 check to the Antelope Valley High School Athletics & Performing Arts Departments, as part of the Johnson Foundation’s 10-year $100,000 commitment.

LANCASTER, CA - Mays Field @ Brent Newcomb Stadium has a busy schedule Friday, October 17, 2014. Antelope Valley High vs. Littlerock High at the Lopes’ homecoming football game, new members will be inducted into the AVHS Hall of Fame, the grand opening of the newly remodeled AVHS gymnasium, and school alumni Marco & Sandra Johnson will show their continued support of the Athletics & Arts Departments by donating $10,000, on behalf of the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation.

The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization established to assist individuals and families in need throughout the Antelope Valley region of Southern California. The Foundation advances this mission primarily through its work to provide charitable services including but not limited to the promotion of education, scholarships, clothing and food provisions. Friday, October 17, 2014, will mark the sixth annual installment of a 10-year, $100,000 commitment that Marco & Sandra Johnson have made to their alma mater, Antelope Valley High School, to help support the Athletics & Arts departments. The check will be presented on Mays Field during half-time ceremonies.

Antelope Valley High School Principal Mrs. Jodie Radford said “AVHS Alumni, Marco and Sandra Johnson, made a selfless pledge of support personally and financially. They have been instrumental in the success of AVHS donor program and their contributions have helped instill pride in our school through the support of arts and athletics. They are tangible examples of generosity, commitment, and pride in our school and community.”

“It’s hard to put into words how much the Johnson’s support has meant to our school, community and the students. They are an inspiration and excellent role models,” said Antelope Valley High School Vice Principal Brett D’Errico.

The athletic and art programs at AVHS were instrumental in training and development for the Johnsons as they focused their attention in high school on professions in both fields. Marco saw his dream of becoming a professional football player in the NFL come true, and Sandra followed her dream and became a professional dancer. “A portion of our foundation was built at AVHS, it’s where we learned hard work and dedication to self and teams. We want each student today to have these same opportunities through athletics and performing arts,” said Marco Johnson.

UAV President Marco Johnson named Antelope Valley Sheriff’s “2014 Booster of the Year.”

LANCASTER, CA – MAY 9, 2014 – Making our community a safer place to live, not only takes the support of our community and its citizens, but it also takes the dedication of the men and women that serve as Sheriff Deputies, here in the Antelope Valley. The Lancaster Sheriff’s station, is not only one of the largest in the County, it’s also one of the busiest. Never the less, each Deputy has taken an oath, to serve the community in which we live, and to making it a better place. Leading the fight to prevent crime and injustice, as they partner with the people they serve, in an effort to secure and promote safety in our communities.

Which is why organizations, such as the Antelope Valley Sheriff Boosters, are so important. Providing support and funding, to help keep the men and women that serve our community, safe! Providing them with the tools they need to do their job more effectively and efficiently, resulting in a safer community.

 Quite often, working behind the scenes, the Antelope Valley Sheriff Boosters, are comprised of business leaders and citizens in our community, that are also committed to making a difference. Raising hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies, providing them with state of the art equipment, as well as basic necessities, that budget cuts just don’t allow. And although the Antelope Valley Sheriff Boosters is comprised of amazing individuals, each year there’s always a stand out that the organization likes to recognize, for their selfless efforts and commitment, at their annual Volunteer’s Appreciation Dinner.

 This year’s recipient for “Booster of the Year”, is long time resident of the Antelope Valley and President of the University of Antelope Valley, Marco Johnson. “This is an amazing board to be a part of, comprised of amazing directors. Any Booster could have been chosen as Booster of the Year. So, not only was it a surprise, but it was also an honor to have been chosen out of a group of such deserving and dynamic individuals,” said Booster of the Year Recipient Marco Johnson.

 “Our Booster Board of Directors is comprised of so many individuals that are dedicated to our community. So, although I’m happy to have such a dynamic group to choose from, it does make my job a little harder. But when it came to this year’s winner, Marco Johnson definitely made it easy. Marco has given so much to this community, not only through his own philanthropic ventures, but also by way of the Sheriff Boosters. More than just financial contributions, Marco has generously given of his time and resources. It’s a pleasure to serve with individuals like Marco Johnson, that have a history here in the AV, and are committed to making it a better community, for years to come,” said President of the Antelope Valley Sheriff Boosters Marvin Crist.

 To find out more about the Antelope Valley Sheriff’s Department, and or, the variety of different community programs that will afford you the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in our community, visit them online, at www.lancaster.lasd.org.

The Marco & Sandra Johnson Foundation, Give 10,000 Reasons Why

LANCASTER, CA – FEBRUARY 21, 2014 – Last night, as the “Lady Lopes” of AV High, took to the court in a CIF Playoff game against Irvine High, Marco and Sandra Johnson, of the University of Antelope Valley and the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, gave the AV High students and staff, 10,000 reasons why this was the best half time show of the year.

Marco and Sandra Johnson, both alumni of Antelope Valley High School, are in their 5th year, of a 10-year $100,000 commitment, of donating $10,000 a year to the AV High Athletics and Arts department. Both, athletics and arts, have played an integral part throughout the Johnson’s lives. Marco, a former NFL football player, and Sandra, a former professional dancer, athletics and arts have always been near and dear to the Johnson’s heart.


But that’s not the only motivating factor behind the Johnson’s generosity. Marco and Sandra want to extend a challenge to other AV High alumni, to help give back to the students and the community. “It’s such a blessing for Marco and I to be able to donate funds to our school. However, all of our alumni should be able to come together and give in whatever capacity they can. Whether it’s time, materials, even a hug, as our students need the same joy and love that we had. Let’s all come together and give back to our high schools and students,” said Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation co-founder and University of Antelope Valley Vice President Sandra Johnson.

Giving back to the community is the cornerstone, on which the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation was built. The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, continually advances its mission to provide charitable services, including but not limited to, the promotion of education, scholarships, clothing and food provisions. “It’s fortunate to have someone like Marco and Sandra Johnson, home grown entrepreneurs, that have the ability to make such a sizeable donation, and to invest it back into our community,” said Vice Mayor of Lancaster Marvin Crist.

For more information on the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, or how you or your business can make a difference in our community, by becoming a contributing partner to the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, visit them online, at www.marcoandsandra.org, or contact Ashley Sirmons at (661) 726-1911 ext. 126.

The Marco & Sandra Johnson Foundation, Show Their Support on the Court

LANCASTER, CA – FEBRUARY 19, 2014 – As the Antelope Valley High School girls basketball team, the “Lady Lopes”, prepare to take the court against Irvine High School tomorrow night, they can expect to receive support from two of AV High
School’s biggest cheerleaders.  Both alumni of AV High, Marco and Sandra Johnson will be center court, as they enter their fifth year, of a ten year $100,000 commitment, to donate $10,000 a year, to the Antelope Valley High School Athletics & Arts department, by way of the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation and the University of Antelope Valley.

The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization established to assist individuals and families in need throughout the Antelope Valley region of Southern California.  The Foundation advances this mission primarily through its work to provide charitable services, including but not limited to, the promotion of education, scholarships, clothing and food provisions.

“The donations made by Marco and Sandra Johnson to Antelope Valley High School, has been significant in helping athletics and the arts at the school.  Not only are their monetary donations of $10,000 a year critical to supporting our programs, their continual presence as alumnus at community events, involving the high school, has helped shape Antelope Valley High School.  Marco and Sandra Johnson have shown how members of a community can truly impact positive change at a school,” said Antelope Valley High School Athletic Director Jason Chronister

“Sandra and I have made this commitment, to not only give back to our community, but to also challenge the AV High alumni, to take more of a supporting role in our community, our neighborhoods and our future leaders.  Whether fellow alumni donate their time, money, influence, or their resources, every contribution helps to better serve the students, and their growing needs,” said Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation co-founder and University of Antelope Valley President Marco Johnson.

“The arts have always been a positive outlet for me and played an integral part in helping me stay focused in school and on my academic studies.  We hope that, by doing our part in supporting the arts department, that we’ll be able to help others do the same,” said Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation co-founder and University of Antelope Valley Vice President Sandra Johnson.

For more information on the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, or how you can become a contributing partner, to help further the efforts of the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, go online, to www.marcoandsandra.org, or contact Ashley Sirmons at (661) 726-1911 ext. 126.

The Marco & Sandra Johnson Foundation, Paint the Town Red

LANCASTER, CA – FEBRUARY 3, 2014 – This past Saturday February 1, 2014, the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation were proud presenters of the Antelope Valley’s inaugural “Color Me Rad” 5K race, at the Pioneer Event Center, in Lancaster.  “Color Me Rad” is a 5K race that fires off a blaze of color bombs, color cannons, and color mortars, while participants race along multi-toned courses.  Runners began in all-white clothing and left the course, painted in an array of colors. 

With nearly 5,000 in attendance, participants were able to race competitively, or just walk and enjoy the fun, with family, friends and neighbors.  This exciting event was an excellent opportunity for people of all ages, to exercise and stay fit, in an exciting and unconventional manner.   It was also a great way to give back to the community, as a portion of the proceeds benefits local charities, right here in the Antelope Valley. 

“Color Me Rad” races have been skyrocketing in popularity, and with the support of the community, and sponsors like the University of Antelope Valley, this event was a colorful success!  With another successful event under their belt, the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation is looking forward to bringing a variety of other fun and exciting events to the Antelope Valley, to be hosted at the Pioneer Event Center (PEC).  Like mud runs, concerts, food truck festivals and zombie runs, just to name a few.  

For more information on this past weekend’s inaugural “Color Me Rad” 5K race, as well as future events to be hosted at the Pioneer Event Center, visit the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation on line, at www.marcoandsandra.org, or contact Ashley Sirmons at (661) 726-1911.