Education Foundation gala guests bid $70,000 to back grants for students, teachers
Fun flowed freely at fundraiser for Simi schools
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers AIMING HIGH- Hundreds gathered Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Library's Air Force Pavilion to enjoy a night of dinner, dancing and spending all for the benefit of Simi schools during the Simi Valley Education Foundation's annual gala. Below right, attendees look over scores of silent auction items.

"It's for the kids."

As the bidding jumped from $3,000 to $6,000 for a SWAT presentation, to $3,000 for Lakers tickets and to $4,000 for a flight in a Russian Yak, the phrase was uttered over and over.

"It's for the kids."

More than 400 people attended the Simi Valley Education Foundation's annual gala last Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Library, digging deep in their pockets to support the nonprofit's teacher and student grant initiatives.

More than $70,000 was raised in the event's silent and live auctions alone.

With Reagan's beloved Air Force One serving as the backdrop, attendees bid, dined and danced, wandering to tables and visiting the library's Irish pub for conversation with guests who included Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy and Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller.

SVEF President Harry VanDyck thanked chairs Karen Stewart, Glen Becerra and Michelle Foster, as well as the foundation's officers and board of directors.

"I'm so proud to be their president, but I do nothing," VanDyck joked. "I'm just a figurehead. They do it all."

VanDyck presented Chamber head and SVEF secretary Leigh Nixon with the night's highest honor, the President's Award, calling her one of his "favorite people in the world."

Past president Dan White received a crystal gavel for his continued involvement with the foundation.

"At our first gala, I was running around with my head cut off- this year, I have a drink," White said, inspiring laughter from the crowd. "I haven't had as much time this year with my work schedule, and I'm working on that. But as soon as work permits, I'm going to be storming back in."

Other crystal gavels were awarded to past presidents Nixon, Aaron Hanson and Michael Hoffman.

FOR THE KIDS- From left, Simi Valley Mayor Pro Tem Steve Sojka, Maureen Goodwin, Linda Bodnar, Corinna White and Councilmember Glen Becerra enjoy the evening at the Simi Valley Education Foundation's second annual gala.

"We've tried to create an event that people would want to come back to, and really enjoy," Becerra said. "For one, it's a great cause. You'll find that the people that are there are there because they want to be there. There's something about when a community rallies around education that makes it a very personal cause."

Becerra, who also serves on the Simi Valley City Council, was joined by his four other council members, city manager and other city staff.

"When you look at the three legs of the stool," Becerra said, "you have education, parks and recreation and you have the city's function. I think it says a lot for the community that representatives from all of these areas are present and showing their commitment to this cause."

The Simi Valley Education Foundation was formed in 1989 by Lew Roth, a 23-year Simi Valley school board member looking for ways to improve area schools.

The foundation collects thousands of dollars each year for public schools in Simi Valley, instituting Education Enhancement Grants for teachers who need additional learning materials, and college grants for Simi students.

For more information, visit www.svef.org.