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When Jack and Doreen Shine first crossed paths in the real estate world back in 1993, little did they know that their union would lead to a continuous commitment to serve community members of the Santa Clarita Valley. Today, whether they are building homes, contributing to local charities, or advocating on behalf of education and the arts, the Shines continue to work tirelessly to provide their support into making Santa Clarita a better place.

That dedication to the community led the College of the Canyons Foundation to name Jack and Doreen Shine the recipients of the college's Silver Spur Community Service Award for 2017.

"Because of their ongoing efforts to give back to others and the significant contributions they have made to this community, we are honored to recognize Jack and Doreen with this award," said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. "From the arts to affordable housing to family wellness, they have set a standard of personal involvement and generosity that serves as an example to us all. Jack and Doreen have shown us that care and commitment can make a lasting difference in shaping the community's growth."

After graduating from University of Southern California, Jack Shine entered the real estate industry in 1959 and over the next 50 years became a leader in the industry by developing a variety of commercial and residential projects.

As the founder and president of American Beauty Homes, Jack has played a large role in redefining the Santa Clarita Valley's landscape, particularly Canyon Country, by building trendy and affordable homes for many first-time homebuyers. Because of his expert knowledge regarding the California housing industry, Jack has been twice appointed to the Board of California Housing Finance Agency by California State Governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Passionate about the arts, Jack has also served as President of the Los Angeles County Music and Performing Arts Commission and as a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Arts Council.

In 1970, Doreen left Ireland and a career in the Department of Social Welfare for a new start in the United States. The Irish expat was a stay at home mom, fitness expert, and personal trainer before venturing into real estate. Raising her son in the Santa Clarita Valley allowed her the opportunity to become actively involved with local schools, political campaigns, and other worthy causes.

A member of the Child and Family Center Board, Doreen continues to devote her time and energy to family issues and the arts. She currently serves as Chair of the Patrons of the Arts support group at COC.

Since that fateful meeting a charity fundraiser back in 1993, Jack and Doreen have worked shoulder-to-shoulder on causes and projects they both are passionate about.

Firm believers in giving those in need a hand up, the Shines have volunteered their time for Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization that builds homes for low income and veteran families in need of permanent housing.

Jack and Doreen, who serve as the organization's Vice Chairman and Chair of the Family Selection Committee, respectively, have both received the Dream Builder's Award, an annual award given to an outstanding philanthropist by Habitat for Humanity.

As members of the COC Foundation Board of Directors, they have also provided invaluable support to various college programs and initiatives, including the COC institutional scholarship program, the Fine & Performing Arts Division, the COC Athletics department, veteran's affairs, and other student success programs. The Shines are also members of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) K-12 Educational Outreach Advisory Board.

"The Shines have consistently helped College of the Canyons adhere to its mission to offer an accessible and enriching education to all through their work as members of the college's Foundation Board of Directors and hands-on involvement in promoting college programs, scholarships, and the fine arts," said Dr. Van Hook. "Their selection as this year's Silver Spur honorees pays tribute to their consistent, dedicated service to our community."

The 2017 Silver Spur Celebration will take place Saturday, March 18, 2017, at The Sheraton Universal Starview Room located at 333 Universal Hollywood Drive in Universal City.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with music, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, with guests able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city lights from the 21st floor Starview Room. The evening will also include dinner and a live auction featuring a selection of unique items.

Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The evening will also include a video tribute to the Shines and a live auction.

This year's event will be co-chaired by Brian and Lindsay Koegle and Nick and Elise Lentini, members of the COC Foundation Board of Directors.

Previous recipients of the Silver Spur award include: Jill Mellady; Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation; Remo and Ami Belli, Barry and Pati Gump, Richard and Marian Sandnes, Diana Cusumano, Myrna and Gary Condie, Harold and Jacquie Petersen, Wayne Crawford, Rita Garasi, Tom Veloz, Charlotte and Frank Kleeman, Gary Cusumano, Jay and Joyce Rodgers, Tom Lee, Lou Garasi, Michael Berger, Roberta Veloz, Dick Luechtefeld, Robert Ormsby, LaVerne Harris, John Hoskinson, Tom Dierckman, Scott and Ruth Newhall, Elisha "Aggie" Agajanian and Cliffie Stone.

For more information about the 2017 Silver Spur Award Ceremony, or to purchase tickets or become an event sponsor, call the College of the Canyons Foundation at (661) 362-3737.