The La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to raising money in support of the local public schools, will honor Kevin Martin with the prestigious Spirit of Outstanding Service Award at the 31st annual LCFEF Spring Gala on Saturday, March 16. The event will be held at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles.
Martin grew up in Glendale, where his parents were teachers and school administrators. He graduated with honors from UCLA after attending Glendale High School.
Martin served as a director for six years on the La Cañada Flintridge Education Foundation and was its president during the 2017-18 school year. During his year as president, family donor participation grew by more than 20%. For the past five years, he has served as an LCFEF Endowment trustee. During his combined 11 years with the LCFEF Endowment, assets have more than tripled and are now worth more than $10 million.
“Kevin’s volunteerism extends beyond the foundation, including pivotal roles in successful campaigns like Measure LC Parcel Tax and Measure LCF Bond,” LCFEF Executive Director Marilyn Yang said in a statement. “His leadership in the STEM and Robotics Lab at LCHS helped yield more than $145,000 supporting the club’s initiatives. Martin played a key role in launching the LCHS mountain bike team, serving as a coach for three years, fostering a team of more than 60 active members, many engaging in organized sports for the first time.
“Furthermore, his contributions to both the superintendent’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and the LCUSD DEI Oversight Committee have been instrumental in advancing the district’s values of inclusion, wellness and belongingness. Overall, Martin consistently drives impactful changes that strengthen La Cañada schools, ensuring they thrive with high standards across all campuses. He has a deep appreciation and respect for the value of a high-quality public education.”
Martin, who received the prestigious Golden Apple Award last year, lives with his wife, Carrie, and their sons Charlie and Andy, both of whom have attended LCUSD schools.
“Upon learning that I would receive the Spirit of Outstanding Service Award from LCFEF, I was deeply appreciative,” Martin said. “Over the years, I’ve known a number of foundation board members who were honored in this way and each of them inspired me to find new and innovative ways to raise funds for our excellent school district.
“When I was growing up, I lived in a neighboring community that had good schools, but it was common knowledge that the best schools around were in La Cañada. I think I always hoped that I would someday raise a family in La Cañada so that my children would have access to an excellent education. As my wife, Carrie, and I began raising our boys here, I watched her volunteer during preschool and even more in elementary school. She is the reason that I got involved. I think it occurred to both of us that having the good fortune to live here was just the beginning of our responsibility. And the reason that we love La Cañada so much is that so many other parents feel the same way.
“In my day job I help clients invest for their financial and life goals,” Martin added. “I do believe that an investment in our children is an investment in our collective future. Frequently, the best investments take time to bear fruit. And so it is with education. We all win when young people learn how to think critically and independently. I cannot imagine a better way to spend my time and resources. And if I had a second chance to be a part of all we’ve been able to accomplish in the La Cañada schools, I’d do it all over again — except I might try harder next time.”
“Havana Nights” will be the theme for LCFEF’s Spring Gala on March 16. Guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening of dinner, drinks, casino games, dancing and a silent auction, which will feature items donated by community members and businesses. Individuals and companies that are interested in donating an auction item to the event should email admin@lcfef.org for more information.
LCFEF Spirit of Outstanding Service Awardees
First published in the March 7 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
