Rusnak Auto Group Supports
Children's Charity Gala

“Once Upon a Hillsides,” this year’s theme for the annual benefit for Hillsides, the foster care children’s charity in Pasadena, was a spectacular hit. Set in a private club in downtown Los Angeles, the 95-year charity raised over $372,000 for its services and programs to prevent child abuse. With 300 guests bidding for auction items, generous donors and attendees contributed to the charity’s best benefit ever. Engaging bidders throughout the live auction was celebrity auctioneer, NBC 4 weathercaster Fritz Coleman, with the first live auction package being an evening with Dr. Drew, host of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” Pasadena residents Peter and Mary Grace Kaufman along with six friends will enjoy a catered dinner at Julienne in San Marino with Dr. Drew Pinsky.
Other successful bidders included Paul Rusnak, CEO and Chairman of Rusnak Auto Group who won the Majestic America Line Cruise and two round-trip tickets donated by Southwest Airlines, which was the highest bid item at $7,500. Sierra Madre resident Jacob Maarse will be heading to a far, far away land—London, England, while Academy-Award nominee James Newton Howard (Best Original Score for “Michael Clayton”), will be visiting wine country in Northern California.
In the charity’s Super Silent Auction, the Elton John concert tickets raised $5,900 by Carole DePaul of Pasadena, which was cheered on by attendees Davey Johnstone and John Mahon, members of Elton John's band, who have been longtime supporters of the foster care children’s charity. Michael Hatch, Hillsides board member and Pasadena resident, won the $5,000 gift certificate to Asanti Fine Jewellers in San Marino.
Besides the auction, guests were given an opportunity to contribute to the foster care children’s residential program. Emmy-Award winning actor Jean Smart shared her personal story of her commitment to the foster care children who live at Hillsides.
“Besides being part of the gorgeous, classiest charity event in Los Angeles, you can do something so incredibly important for the children--to help them learn to trust,” said Smart of their contribution to the foster care children’s program. “And teach them the world is a benevolent place.”
Pasadena resident Kristina Lomax, who chaired the charity’s annual benefit, reflected on the event and said, “Hillsides touches me deeply, and it is obvious it does the same for others. Being able to have a part in a night that creates such magic, hope, and camaraderie is very rewarding.”
The magical event was made possible by sponsors who included San Marino residents Debbe and Spike Booth, Sherm and Marge Telleen, and Megan and Bill Phelps; Pasadena residents John and Ida Hitchcock, Susan and Bill Noce, Ben and Judy Reiling; and Sierra Madre residents Jacob and Clara Maarse, including Jacob Maarse Floral Design in Pasadena; and South Pasadena resident Lyn Spector; Rusnak Auto Group, The Walt Disney Company, Western Asset Management Company, and many more.
Founded in 1913, Hillsides is a residential and community treatment center that creates safe places for children at risk and their families. Hillsides works to end the cycle of abuse that destroys children and tears families apart. Loving care, therapeutic healing, special education, family crisis intervention and children’s rights advocacy are at the heart of the agency’s mission. To learn more about Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org and www.HillsidesEducationCenter.org.

Rusnak BMW Wins Center of Excellence Award 2008

BMW of North America has awarded Rusnak BMW with the Center of Excellence Award for 2008 which is the top 10 % in the country. Rusnak BMW in Thousand Oaks, CA is proud to receive the prestigious BMW Center of Excellence Award for outstanding customer service.
The Center of Excellence Award is reserved for those dealers who excel in brand values and customer satisfaction while achieving key business objectives related to vehicle and parts sales.
Only 31 out of 339 dealers have been recognized by BMW of North America as a Center of Excellence.
Rusnak BMW stands in this ranking by achieving the highest scores on survey calls after taking delivery of their new BMW or after a service visit. “Rusnak BMW dealership offers first-class facilities to their customers and are the proud to receive this prestigious award”, said Jeff Kagan, General Manager, Rusnak BMW.
Visit Rusnak BMW today and be a part of the outstanding dealership.

Contact: Rusnak BMW
3832 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Phone: (818) 991-6340
Website: www.rusnakautogroup.com

The New 2008 Volvo S80 at Rusnak Volvo

In February, RUSNAK Volvo, the leading Volvo dealer in the San Gabriel Valley, announced the new 2008 Volvo S80. The latest Volvo S80 is the first V8-powered luxury sedan. With its powerful V8 engine, all-wheel drive and luxurious interior, Volvo is making one giant leap for Swedish automotive history. The Volvo S80 is powered with a powerful 4.4-liter V8 engine along with the Volvo Haldex computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system. Even though the major attraction of the all-new V80 is the V8 engine, a totally new 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine is also available for those who don't want enormous torque. The new six-cylinder engine is capable of generating 236 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and is the largest inline-6 cylinder engine Volvo has ever built. The S80 comes with world-class safety package that includes patented body structure, ABS, traction control, yaw control, front airbags, dual-chamber side airbags, radar adaptive cruise control, the collision warning system, the new optional BLIS or blind-spot information system, the Personal Car Communicator, a new electronic key fob design and a traffic distance warning system. Option packages include the Sport package that consists of 18-inch alloy wheels, 245/40R18 tires and speed-sensitive steering with three-way adjustable steering effort; a six-CD changer, MP3 player, auxiliary input and USB; satellite navigation with remote control; adaptive cruise control; front and rear park assist; dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system; pearl or metallic paint and run-flat tires. An impressive array of new, used & certified Volvo vehicles like S40, S60, S80, V50, V70, XC70, XC90 and the C70 are available at Rusnak Volvo located at 2025 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. Please contact our Executive Sales Associates at (626) 577-6661.

Chinatown Celebrates “Year of the Rat”

On Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10, Chinatown welcomed the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat, Year 4706, with a two-day celebration featuring the 109th Annual Golden Dragon Parade and a free weekend-long festival with entertainment for the whole family. Disney’s beloved Mickey Mouse served as Grand Marshal for the 109th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, on Saturday, February 9 from 2pm- 5pm along Broadway and Hill Streets. The largest and oldest parade of its kind in Southern California featured over 100 floats, marching bands, celebrity cars, and costumed organizations with Chinese roots that marched through the streets to the delight of the 100,000 anticipated onlookers. In celebration of the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics, Consul General Zhang Yun of the People’s Republic of China lead the parade in a ceremonial car, followed by the five Olympic mascots (representing the 5-ring Olympic logo). Each mascot embodies a specific Chinese word which, when strung together, form the phrase “Beijing Welcomes You.” The Consul General’s entourage was followed by a 100-member flower drum dance corps and other costumed performers from Beijing, and culminates with another set of the five Olympic mascots. Waving from his parade car sponsored by Rusnak Auto Group, Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa donned Chinese garb and ride in the procession along with other local government officials and city council members. LAPD Chief William Bratton served as an Honorary Grand Marshal and was joined by newly-appointed Deputy Chief Terry Hara, the LAPD's first Asian American to earn that ranking. For the past seven years, the Rusnak Auto Group has been a proud sponsor of the Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade. Always a popular parade attraction, the newly crowned 2008 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Queen, Sharon I. Ha, rode on a float accompanied by 1st Princess Debbie Tran, 2nd Princess Karin Yi Chieh Lin, 3rd Princess Jackie Tsang, 4th Princess Jody Chan, and 2008 Miss Friendship Tiffany Jennell Kwong. For information, contact the Chinese Chamber at (213) 617-0396 or the Chinatown Business Improvement District at (213) 680-0243, or visit www.lachinesechamber.org or www.chinatownla.com.

Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the city of Pasadena hosted a series of events in February that included the 26th Annual Black History Parade and Festival. Events began on Monday with a demonstration by the Black Karate Federation at Robinson Park in Pasadena. Also, a spoken-word presentation, “Love Black,” was presented in the Travis Auditorium of Fuller Theological Seminary. On February 16, the Black History Parade kicked off at 10 a.m. at Charles White Park where automobiles provide by Rusnak Pasadena drove celebrities, politicians and dignitaries down the historic parade route. Hundred of spectators enjoyed the parade with glee and shouts of cheer. It ended around noon at Robinson Park. After the parade, there was a festival at Robinson Park. These events are proudly coordinated by the City of Pasadena Human Services & Recreation Department, Jackie Robinson Center and Black History Committee. For more information on Black History month, please contact The Jackie Robinson Center at (626) 744-7300.

Distinguished Speaker Series

On Wednesday, February 20th, Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California presented Charlie Rose, Emmy and Peabody Award Winning Journalist and Interviewer. Charlie Rose has gained a reputation as “the best interviewer today.” His PBS program has become a nightly ritual for millions of Americans providing viewers with what Morley Safer has called “the last refuge of intelligent conversation on TV.” The former CBS anchor currently hosts Charlie Rose, a nightly one-hour interview program which premiered in 1991. Syndicated nationally, it currently airs on 215 PBS stations. Known for his natural style and voracious curiosity, he brings a vast wealth of knowledge for a special look at the captivating people and events that define the American scene. Rusnak Mercedes-Benz has been a proud sponsor of the Distinguished Speakers Series for the past 8 years. To purchase your season tickets, please visit them online at www.speakersla.com or call Kathy Winterhalder at (310) 546-6222.

Rusnak Volvo Sponsors the 2008
AMGEN Tour of California

The 2008 AMGEN Tour of California brought the sizzling drama and excitement of a world class bicycle stage race to the California coast with the electrifying finish set for the city known around the world as the home of the Tournament of Roses and many other spectacular events: Pasadena.
“Pasadena is a great location for this final leg of the AMGEN Tour of California because this is a bicycle-friendly community, the host city to many world-class events and a popular destination for visitors to Southern California,” said Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard. “We look forward to extending a warm welcome and an energetic environment to tour participants.”
The race pitted 17 of the top professional domestic and international cycling teams against each other in a grueling eight-day, 650-mile race on a route that begins in San Francisco, treks through coastal mountains and beaches, spins through the state capital and other major cities, and ends at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just 9 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles in Pasadena.
As the city erupted with excitement for the race finish, cyclists and the thousands of spectators on hand enjoyed the intoxicating charm of Pasadena with its pedestrian-friendly streets, four European-style shopping/entertainment areas, world-renowned museums, 2,500 hotel rooms, 500 restaurants, golf, theaters, and gardens.
After more than 60 miles from Santa Clarita to Pasadena, with the mountains and the Rose Bowl serving as the backdrop, the peloton completed the stage and the race, with six five-mile laps on a very demanding circuit around the Rose Bowl at about 2:30 p.m. Organizers expected a hard sprint to the finish; as with all the Grand Tours of Europe, winning the final stage of the 2008 AMGEN Tour of California is a prize coveted by the riders.
Running from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM on February 24, right near the finish line at the Rose Bowl Stadium, The Health Net Lifestyle Festival featured:
A health & fitness expo, Cancer awareness education, Cycling vendors selling gear, Family activities, Bike safety information, Food, entertainment, Informational and vendor booths.
There was plenty for everyone, especially the little ones, at the Fitness Challenge Foundation Kids Zone! Here, children were encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle and have fun at the same time!
The Fitness Challenge Foundation Kids Zone offered a thrilling and interactive experience featuring:
Bike Rodeo – Kids learned all about bike safety and there was a free giveaway of kid’s bicycle helmets given by the Pasadena Department of Transportation.
Chivas Clinic – The professional soccer team hosted a goal kicking clinic and gave away prizes.
LA Avengers – LA’s arena football team had a football toss and their A-Team Dancers were there to giveaway prizes.
LA84 Foundation CONNIE CYCLING Program – A cycling challenge where players could race friends in a virtual reality-type course.
BMX EXTREME Stunt Show - Bobby Brown, the Grandfather of BMX, performed BMX stunts seen at the X-Games!

The Breakaway From Cancer initiative was at the Health Net Lifestyle Festival, as well as the Susan G. Komen For The Cure, and other health and wellness groups. Please visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/festival.html for more details.

Sponsored by:
Rusnak Volvo
www.rusnakvolvo.com
www.rusnakautogroup.com

Join The Fun... Flintridge Prep's 2008
Fathers Club Golf Tournament

On Monday, April 28, the Flintridge Prep's Annual Golf Tournament will be held at La Canada Flintridge Country Club, sponsored by the Fathers Club. This popular Prep tradition helps benefit the John Plumb '64 Endowment Fund which supports faculty enrichment and development programs. This year's Hole-in-One Prize is a 2009 Jaguar XF provided by Rusnak Jaguar Pasadena. As always, a reception and dinner will follow the golf with more prizes to be awarded. If you are interested in participating, contact Barbara Ealy, Prep's Director of Special Events at (818) 949-5522.

San Gabriel Valley Habitat For Humanity
“Raises The Roof” By Raffling Off A
2008 Mercedes-Benz at June 2008 Gala

It’s a big raffle for the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity “Raise the Roof” Gala this year. Habitat for Humanity announced they will raffle off a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 supported by Rusnak Arcadia at their inaugural gala event on June 14. This year’s “Raise the Roof” Gala will be held under the Tuscan stars at the magnificent grounds of the Ambassador Auditorium. The gala fundraiser event will feature a silent and live auction, a fabulous dinner and live music. Liz Rusnak Arizmendi, Vice President, Public Relations, of Rusnak Auto Group will be drawing the lucky winner’s name at “Raise the Roof” at 9:30pm. Winner does not need to be present. To preview the car, visit the Rusnak Mercedes-Benz located at 55 West Huntington Drive in Arcadia. Tickets to the Gala are $150 per person and tickets for the raffle are $100 each and both can be purchased by contacting Sayaka Ota in the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity office at (626) 792-3838 ext. 14 or accounting@sgvhabitat.org. Raffle ticket proceeds directly benefit San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. “We encourage people to buy raffle tickets…while the prize is fantastic, we also want people to know that their donations can truly help deserving families achieve the American Dream of owning a home,” said Sonja Yates, Executive Director for San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.

From The Rusnak Mailbox

Numerous letters of gratitude were received this month. Here is one we would like to share with you.

We start off this month’s mail with a wonderful letter to Paul Rusnak:

Dear Mr. Rusnak,

Thank you for your phenomenal support of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles this past year as a member of the Children’s Circle of Care. You are among the leading benefactors throughout North America committed to providing the very finest in pediatric health care. We remain grateful for your generosity which provides our young patients and their families the hope for a bright and healthy future.

Robert E. Weiner,
Assistant Vice President
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

rusnakautogroup.com
© 2008 Rusnak Auto Group. All rights reserved.