Leigh Nixon, president of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Simi Valley Education Foundation, calls the recent Lew Roth Awards Dinner a success.

The foundation paid tribute to teachers, businesses and volunteers for their contribution to local education.

Ten businesses sponsored the15th annual event and donated $2,000 each. Nixon said the foundation raised $150,000 last year and this year gave away $30,000 in grant money.

All proceeds from the awards dinner go to support public education in the form of teacher grants. Last year, the foundation’s board of directors gave away $28,000 in grants to teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade. The money is used for projects outside the regular curriculum and to help defray teacher out-of-pocket expenses.

"We could not be more pleased than to have the community’s support for education by attending and contributing to the Lew Roth Dinner event," Nixon said. "It is a testament to the outstanding community of Simi Valley."

Simi Valley City Councilman Glen Becerra and his wife Sally co-chaired the event.

"It was the best [awards dinner] we’ve ever had," said Becerra. "The business community sees the value of an educated work force."

Nearly 300 people attended the sell-out event at Wood Ranch Golf Course.

Becerra said the awards fundraiser will be moved to the Ronald Reagan Library next year, which can hold an additional 150 people.

Awards were given to Simi Valley Unified School District administrator Dennis Rast, teacher Nona Kissane and school district employee Carla Dickson.

Sep Whaley was honored for 20 years of volunteer work and recognition was given to Boeing for contributing thousands of dollars to Simi Valley library projects, teacher training and education grants.

Jack Miller, a Moorpark College professor and Simi Valley resident, received the Presidential Award and Peter Kasniak was presented the Chairman’s Award.