Gardens of the World will be site of benefit concert

Lily of the Valley Endeavor (LoVE) will host its inaugural benefit concert titled "LoVEFest" at 5 p.m. Sun., June 26 at Gardens of the World, 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Performers include smooth jazz artists Tim Heintz and Grant Geissman, Tin Drum and Benise, plus several regional bands, celebrities and special guests. The benefit will also include wine tasting, food sampling from local restaurants and a silent auction. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.

LoVE is a California nonprofit organization that supports Lily of the Valley Children’s Village in KwaZulu, South Africa, an orphanage that has become a model for other African countries confronting AIDS-infected and/or affected children.

"We have plenty of land on which to build more homes for so many children who are just waiting to be rescued," said LoVE president Sharon Clack. "We simply need the funds for the ongoing support." The village provides housing, food, education and individual attention and nurturing in group homes.

The June 26 benefit offers sponsorship opportunities to local businesses. For more information, call (805) 277-1827.