Tom Veloz
1937-2006

On September 13, we lost a dear friend, Tom Veloz. A longtime Santa Clarita resident, business leader and philanthropist, Tom left an indelible mark in our community. He was a major benefactor to many worthy organizations benefiting youth, education and more. And, at Henry Mayo, his steadfast support and generosity has been nothing short of amazing.

In addition to serving as honorary chair of the Campaign for the Next Generation of Care for which he contributed $1 million to benefit the expansion of the Henry Mayo Emergency Department, Tom played an integral role in the development of the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center. His $500,000 donation — in honor of his wife, Sheila, who died from breast cancer — was the start of a meaningful fundraising campaign that allowed us to create a center dedicated to breast imaging. Opened in 2002, the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center is among one of the finest breast imaging facilities in the Southern California.

Tom's contribution didn't end with his generous gifts. He served as president of the center's advisory board until his death, committed to ensuring that patients in the Santa Clarita Valley have access to the most advanced technologies in breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Earlier this year, when asked what his late wife would have thought of the facility that bears her name, Tom replied, "She would be absolutely delighted by the center's warm and comfortable environment. She would be blown away...and she'd be a fabulous supporter."

Memorial services for Tom Veloz took place Saturday, September 16 at the Hyatt Valencia.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center at Henry Mayo.

Contributions can be mailed to the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation, 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355, in Tom's memory. A special sympathy card will be mailed to the family announcing your gift in his memory.

To make an on-line donation in memory of Tom Veloz, click here.