With immense excitement, the employees of A.Allbright Painting gathered on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the house of Jacob DeLong, an 8-year-old leukemia patient and the winner of this year's A.Allbright Painting Charity Giveaway!

This is the third annual Paint Charity Giveaway sponsored by A.Allbright Painting, a local Santa Clarita Valley painting company.

Any deserving family or nonprofit organization could be nominated to receive the gift of $7,500 in free paint and services.

Deserving entries from all around the Santa Clarita Valley were received, but ultimately, the employees of A.Allbright Painting voted, and the chosen winner was Jacob and his family.

Jacob is the second child in his family to be diagnosed with leukemia. His older brother, Justin, lost his battle with leukemia in 2000. His mom, Lisa, quit her job to care for her son while he battles this disease. She also invests much of her time to help other families of children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Because of the medical expenses, Jacob's family is unable to afford painting services. The following is an excerpt from a letter we received by Lisa DeLong after the event. Also, see attached pictures of the event

"We moved here seven years ago, after Justin died. We were running away from memories, both wonderful and painful. He was only 15 when he died, and our previous home had been filled with his life. He was always happy. Even when diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 5, he was happy - constantly smiling, always looking on the bright side. But the leukemia returned and took his youthful, teenage body, and we had to say goodbye. So we moved to our new white house. White walls made a clean slate ... no memories, no past, no pain. While working for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, my 6-year-old son Jacob was diagnosed with leukemia. Leukemia had devastated our family in 1990, and again in 2000. Now in 2006 I felt completely exhausted.

"When I found out we were nominated to receive the third Annual A. Allbright Paint Giveaway, I didn't realize our house even needed painting. As I took pictures of the house, I realized how bad our home looked. Paint was chipping so badly from patio cover to the warped garage door. Things like house paint go unnoticed as you shuffle from one appointment to the next, wait in lines and give your child treatments.

"When the team arrived, they went right to work like cosmetic surgeons. Nearly40 men, women and children surrounded every door, window and even the roof of my house. Finally, the bandage-like tape was peeled away and the workers retreated. I couldn't take my eyes off of her - like a well dressed woman with just the right accessories - a true Painted Lady. Thank you all for this wonderful gift!"

A.Allbright Painting wishes to thank the entire Santa Clarita Valley for your stories and support. This giveaway could not have happened without you! Your constant support and referrals enable A.Allbright Painting to continue their community service.

For more information, visit www.aallbright.com.