Conejo Valley’s many benefits include the myriad of nonprofit organizations at the ready to help those in need. From the Boys & Girls Club to Senior Concerns, philanthropic agencies improve the lives of both young and old. These programs exist thanks to the generosity of the community members that support their various causes and missions. Here we highlight several of their recent fundraising events.
American Heart Association
The Heart Walk took place last month on October 8 at the California Lutheran University. Sponsored by UCLA Health, Amgen and Dignity Health, the event featured a 2-mile walk, live music and more. Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more than 870,000 men, women and children every year. Funds raised at the Heart Walk support efforts to improve care and outcomes for heart disease and stroke patients, advocate for stronger public health policies and fund innovative scientific research to improve survival and find cures. The American Heart Association has invested more than $5 billion in research, resulting in breakthroughs that save and improve countless lives every day, including CPR, the artificial heart valve, cholesterol-lowering drugs, stents and microsurgery. The Association is also committed to improving health equity by changing structures, laws and systems that make it difficult for many people to achieve a full, healthy life. VenturaHeartWalk.org.
Boys & Girls Club
The 20th Annual Stand Up for Kids Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village in September raised funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. L.A. Rams alumni Andrew Whitworth was the honoree at this year’s event, which featured student stories, entertainment, and silent and live auctions with trips, experiences and unique items. The fundraiser supports their differentiated programs and opportunities and enabled even more kids to participate in their programs. “No child is turned away due to an inability to pay,” says program staff, adding that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley was named among the top 100 Boys & Girls Clubs out of the 4,000-plus in the country. With the mission to enhance the lives of young people and their families by providing a positive and safe environment that cultivates academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship, the clubs could not exist without support of donors and the community. BGCConejo.org/gala/.
BumbleBee Foundation
The BumbleBee Foundation made the difficult decision to postpone its 2nd Annual Poker Tournament originally scheduled in September to early 2023. The BumbleBee Foundation is committed to supporting pediatric cancer families no matter the circumstances, and that commitment will never change. BBF is actively exploring 2023 date options to reschedule this important fundraising event to benefit pediatric cancer families locally and throughout the state of California and Idaho. BumbleBee's six core programs provide everything from BumbleBee BEEday gift cards for sick children on their birthdays and BEEpacks filled with hospital essentials, to gasoline and patient aid, so parents don't have to think about bills and can focus on what counts most—being there for their child. BumbleBeeFoundation.org
California Young Artists Symphony
The California Young Artists Symphony, the newest rising star in the Southern California classical music world, kicked off its second season last month with masterworks by Beethoven, de Falla, and Scriabin at the legendary Royce Hall at UCLA conducted by Alexander Tseitlin (Director, CYAS) and acclaimed pianist Kevin Fitz-Gerald (USC) performing Beethoven’s third piano concerto. Launched in the fall of 2021 to the acclaim of audiences and artists nationwide, CYAS features musicians from institutions such as the Colburn Conservatory, the Thornton School of Music at USC and the Herb Alpert School at UCLA (among many others). Their upcoming concert on February 5 at the Kavli Theater in Thousand Oaks features Rachmaninoff's magnificent second symphony, conducted by David Chan (the concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera of New York) and features Ben Hong (LA Phil) performing Shostakovich’s first cello concerto. CYAS has been a home to some of the most talented pre-college and college musicians in the region, including musicians from Cal Lutheran University, and high schools such as Newbury Park High School, Moorpark High School and Calabasas High School, highlighting the exceptional achievements of the youth in our community. CYASymphony.org
Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community, led by Executive Director Monica Merryman held their annual Celebration of Hope Garden Party in September to raise awareness and funds to support cancer patients and survivors in the community and throughout Ventura County. The event at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks featured an outdoor evening program including special speakers, honorees, a live auction, a magician, dancing, a cheesecake bar and more! The Celebration of Philanthropy Award was presented to Terry and Bill Schmidt for their clear and unwavering commitment to supporting, educating, and improving the lives of all people impacted by cancer. CancerSupportVVSB.org
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County
Over 175 attendees gathered for Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s Compassion Campaign 2022 held at Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo. The 3rd annual event immersed guests in an unforgettable evening highlighting the interconnectedness of lives as we are all impacted by the need for more affordable housing. California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez sent a video message speaking on the importance of housing policies and agendas, and how when we all work together progress can be made to tackle the affordable housing crisis in California. Guests were visibly moved as Daisy, formerly homeless and today a current resident of Mountain View Apartments, one of Housing Trust Fund VC’s funded developments, shared that she finally has a place to call home, which is changing the trajectory of her life. With the audience in tears, Daisy concluded that more people like her can be helped when our community gathers at events like this to truly understand how affordable homes can lift people and families up. The organization achieved a fundraising record high through generous donors, sponsors and investors, once again highlighting that as a collective community we can work towards achieving housing equity for all in Ventura County. Watch Daisy speak and enjoy video highlights at, www.housingtrustfundvc.org/compassioncampaign2022.
Jewel Levine Foundation
The Jewel Levine Foundation is an organization that provides hope, support and monetary assistance to families and individuals who are under financial duress caused by life-threatening medical conditions or extreme circumstances. The foundation has raised over $500,000 since it was founded in September 2016. Danielle “Missy” Marquis founded the foundation in honor of her inspirational grandmother, Jewel Levine, who endured dialysis treatment for over 15 years due to kidney failure. Always upbeat and inspirational, Jewel sadly passed away in 2013, but her family hopes to keep her positive spirit alive through the foundation. The foundation does this through several types of events that help the community, including an annual Crawfish Boil, 5k/10ks, Blood Drives, Clothing Drives, and anything else they set their hearts to. They will be hosting their first annual Jingle Bell Jog 5k/10k in December; 100% of the money raised benefits families in need. TheJewelLevineFoundation.org/
New West Symphony
New West Symphony donors and musician sponsors attended Hilltop Summer Dreams, a stunning outdoor party under the stars at the gorgeous estate of Vicky Rathje called Vallavanda Manor in Santa Rosa Valley. The purpose of the gathering was the New West Symphony’s way of saying thank you to their season sponsors and those who adopted or pledged to adopt one of the musicians. The event included dinner and a concert by New West Symphony principal musicians, featuring Concertmaster Alyssa Park, James W. Grinta (trumpet) and P. Blake Cooper (tuba) and award-winning jazz trumpeter Ilya Serov and his jazz ensemble. NewWestSymphony.org
Senior Concerns
Senior Concerns’ 35th Annual Ultimate Dining Experience takes place Saturday, February 11 at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. The public invited to a whimsical evening in an Enchanted Garden. Guests will be instantly transported into this ethereal setting with their signature Fairy Floss cocktail. Dinner, a live auction and more. Philanthropist of the Year Sharyl Overholser and Extraordinary Moments, Extraordinary People Awardee Andrea Gallagher will be honored. Proceeds from the Ultimate Dining Experience provide vital support to Senior Concerns programs for seniors and family caregivers in the community. SeniorConcerns.org
YMCA
The 4th Annual Southeast Ventura County YMCA Gala in September at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village featured gourmet cuisine, a live band and silent auction. Event proceeds benefit Southeast Ventura County YMCA programs, including Find My Genius, a free five-week summer program for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. It provides students with academic instruction, healthy meals, physical exercise and enrichment opportunities. The gala also honored Chuck and Melinda Carmichael, Simi Valley residents and longtime YMCA supporters, with the Joel and Frances McCrea Memorial Award. The YMCA is a nonprofit organization serving Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and Moorpark. It is dedicated to building positive relationships, impacting lives and strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living programs and social responsibility. SEVYMCA.org
