Pub 6 2021 Issue 1

14 “Cheri Fleming was such an integral part of the community’s fabric, and her impact woven into so many lives. Her kindness, optimism, and enthusiasm inspired everyone around her. Cheri’s inspirational leadership, signature smile, and infinite passion for doing good will forever be missed.” — Teresa Todd, Cheri’s friend and publicist  CHERI FLEMING — continued from page 13 As the list above makes obvious, Cheri and Don were longtime supporters of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. They served on committees and its hospital and foundation boards. Cheri believed in its mission to provide quality health care to its community. She helped raise millions of dollars so the hospital could expand specialized care and critical life-saving services, and when she needed medical care herself in 2016 as a first-time patient, that’s where she went. Her work with the Soroptimists also deserves additional comment. Cheri wanted to help girls and women. She was a member of the Soroptimist international chapter in the Santa Clarita Valley for more than 20 years. The organization includes 19 countries and has over 30,0000 members, and along with many other positions within the organization, she served as its president. She also participated in the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women. Cheri combined kindness and business acumen. She defined her success personally as helping others succeed, and she empowered others by including and acknowledging their contributions. Joan Aschoff, Child & Family Center’s president and CEO, said Cheri was “an absolute pleasure to work with.” Meanwhile, Don worked with the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation and helped make the city more business-friendly. Their efforts at Valencia Acura and within the community brought them recognition and awards for their accomplishments. • Don and Cheri were named the 2004 “Man of the Year” and “Woman of the Year” for Santa Clarita Valley. This award was the second time in 40 years that a husband and wife shared the same honor for the same year. • The American International Automobile Dealers Association and Newsweek magazine named her the “Dealer of the Year” in 2006. • State Senator George Runner named her the 2007 “Woman of the Year.” • The Business Journal named her the 2008 “Woman of the Year.” • The Boy Scouts of America gave Cheri the 2011 Leader of Character award.  CHERI FLEMING — continued on page 16