VALENCIA, Calif.—The July Girlfriends Films charity donation goes to help a well-respected member of the adult entertainment industry’s family: Shelly Sandau, Director of Purchasing for the Lion’s Den’s chain of 43 retail stores. Girlfriends Films’ principals Dan O’Connell and Moose are honored to donate $1,000 to help Sandau establish an annual scholarship in the name of his beloved daughter, Ashley Julia Sandau (pictured at left), who is remembered by friends and family as a loving, adventurous, and daring young woman.
The Ashley Julia Sandau Scholarship Fund will be awarded each year to a student majoring in Journalism/Mass Communications at St. Bonaventure University, Ashley’s alma mater. To contribute, click here and then click on "Donate Now." Then type in "Ashley Julia Sandau." Donors may also call 716-488-0387 or click here to help.
Ashley Julia Sandau graduated second in her field from St. Bonaventure University in 2010 with a bachelors in Journalism/Mass Communications. In 2011, she earned a masters degree in Integrated Marketing and began working for Solomon Levy at System JO in Valencia, CA.
"Many people in our industry had a chance to meet Ashley while she was working for System JO," said Ashley’s father Shelly. "She attended 2 ILS shows and the winter ANME show in 2012. Ashley is actually the person who came up with the idea to have a soft serve ice cream machine at the spring ILS to promote System JO flavored lubes—they had some ice cream flavors.”
While sorting through old school papers, Ashley’s mother, Liz, found an epitaph Ashley wrote for her high school AP English class when she was 16. In it, Ashley discussed how she wanted to be remembered: "I just want to be remembered by those I love as good and kind, but not too good... just the right amount of daring, fearlessness, flirtation, and mischief. I want people to look back on me, the times we had and the memories they made with me, and smile."
"Ashley was the closest person to being perfect I have ever known," Shelly recalled fondly. "She always had a kind word about everyone she ever knew. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside—extremely intelligent, a true joy to be around. She is truly missed by everyone who knew her."
By creating the scholarship in her name, Ashley’s parents are ensuring that the young woman will continue to make an impression on the lives of others even after her death. For the fund to be activated, it must reach $7,500.
"To hear Shelly talk about his daughter is to get a sense for how amazing of a young woman she truly was," said Girlfriends Films Vice President Moose. "Losing a child is the most devastating thing that could ever happen to a parent, but Shelly and Liz are choosing to celebrate Ashley’s life and solidify her legacy through their charitable scholarship fund."
"We are honored to help establish the fund and hope everyone in the adult industry who has been touched by either Ashley or Shelly will contribute and ensure the scholarship’s impact for years to come," he added.
Girlfriends Films has a long history of charitable contributions, having donated over $20,000 in 2012. Each month a performer, director, or industry principal is selected as part of the studio’s charity program, and a donation of $1,000 is given to a philanthropic organization of their choice. For more information, click here.
"Shelly is one of the best people in our business and we feel privileged to help the Sandau family start their scholarship fund," stated Girlfriends Films owner Dan O’Connell. "I'm not at all surprised that the Sandaus are honoring their daughter by helping other young people that they may never meet. This is certainly one of the best donations we've ever made and we plan to continue our support of the Fund."
