A Letter...

I am writing to you as a fellow member of the Southern California steel community and as someone who believes deeply in the responsibility we share to give back to the communities that have supported our industry for generations.​

 

Children’s Fund, a highly respected nonprofit serving foster and at-risk children throughout San Bernardino County, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. For four decades, Children’s Fund has worked quietly and effectively to ensure that children facing the most difficult circumstances receive stability, opportunity, and hope.​

 

This year, for our 33rd annual Golf Classic, we will be honoring a steelman of our own, Vicente Wright, who has served on the Children’s Fund Board of Directors for more than 16 years. Many in our industry know Vicente from his time as the former President, CEO, and Chairman of California Steel Industries (CSI), and even more so as a leader who has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to this community.​

 

Vicente’s dedication to Children’s Fund reflects the very best of our industry—long-term thinking, stewardship, and service beyond the balance sheet. I feel a special affinity with him, not only as a fellow steel executive, but as someone who understands how fortunate we are to be part of an industry with such deep and lasting roots in San Bernardino.​

 

My own family’s involvement in the metals business here spans five generations. Patton’s Steel, founded by my father in 1959, was built on the belief that success carries responsibility. Today, with my children actively involved in the company, that belief has only grown stronger. My involvement with Children’s Fund is one meaningful way I strive to give back to the community that has supported our industry for decades.​

 

In that spirit, I respectfully ask you to consider honoring Vicente Wright—and the values he represents—by making a contribution to Children’s Fund. Your support would not only recognize one of our own, but would also directly impact the lives of children in our community who need it most.

​

Jon Novack

Patton's Steel

Children's Fund Board Member