Oxnard’s Republic Services gives back with its Community Among Friends charity

Recycling company supports charity’s poker event on June 1

OXNARD — Republic Services of Oxnard, one of the nation’s largest recycling companies that works in conjunction with the City of Oxnard, is giving back to the community by supporting and helping grow Community Among Friends, a 501 (c)(3) charity based in Ventura County, the company reported this week in a media release.

The charity was founded by Gus Sanchez, operations manager for Republic Services of Oxnard. Sanchez said he wanted to give back to the community he grew up in and had a vision to help support and strengthen nonprofit organizations. After speaking with friends during the 2011 Salsa Festival, Community Among Friends was born.

What started out as a small group with nine members has now grown to 50 members that meet once a month at its breakfasts to network, partner and build relationships. Republic Services of Oxnard was the first major sponsor for Community Among Friends and gives generously to every breakfast meeting, he said.

“Community Among Friends is an impactful nonprofit and would not be where it is today without the financial and emotional support of Republic Services of Oxnard,” Sanchez stated in the release. “Their generosity has helped us grow so that we can provide nonprofits the support they in order to lead the way toward the future.”

For the second year in a row, Republic Services of Oxnard will help contribute to Community Among Friends’ annual Poker, Food & Wine event on from 6 to 10 p.m Saturday, June 1. The company has donated as a presenting sponsor along with thousands of dollars worth of auction items.

All proceeds from this year’s event will help benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ventura County, The Salvation Army of Oxnard/Port Hueneme, FOOD Share of Ventura County, Gull Wings Children’s Museum and the National Association Against Child Cruelty.

There will be a limited number of tickets and people wishing to attend the event can contact Gus Sanchez at 805-278-8228.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit five restaurants in Downtown Oxnard and enjoy gourmet food and entertainment.

“Republic Services of Oxnard makes it a priority to give back to the community and Community Among Friends is a fantastic organization that helps other organizations enhance their message and commitment to the community,” Anthony Bertrand, general manager for Republic Services of Oxnard, stated in the release. “We enjoy giving our monthly support to help continuously grow the charity and look forward to seeing many local faces at the poker event.”

Republic Services works with the City of Oxnard as its partner. For more information about Community Among Friends, callSanchez at 805-278-8228.

About Republic Services:

Republic Services, a provider of services in the domestic, non-hazardous solid waste industry, has operated the City of Oxnard’s Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station, located at 111 S. Del Norte Blvd, since 1999.

Republic Services of Oxnard endorses and supports the city’s goals to improve the condition of the natural environment, significantly reduce the amount of municipal solid waste being disposed in landfills and maximize the recycling and reuse of municipal solid waste – it’s The Republic Way, the company reported.

Republic Services provides recycling and solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Company’s various operating units, including collection companies, transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills, are focused on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers. For more information, visit the Republic Services website at republicservices.com.

About Community Among Friends:

Founded in 2011, the mission of Community Among Friends is to support and strengthen nonprofit organizations by building relationships through networking, partnering and supporting its affiliates. Breakfast meetings are held once a month in Downtown Oxnard and the nonprofit hosts an annual Poker, Food & Wine event that helps support local charities. In 2012, Community Among Friends donated $30,000 to local nonprofits and expects to exceed that limit by contributing $40,000 in 2013.