Grammy Award winners to perform at mayor's dinner & charity auction
Annual event raises money for Simi Valley Community Foundation

The Simi Valley Community Foundation will host the third annual Mayor's Dinner and Charity Auction on Friday, Oct. 12 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley.

The event will feature musical entertainment by Billy Davis Jr. and Marilyn McCoo of The Fifth Dimension and the comedy of Mimi Donaldson, as well as live and silent auctions and presentation of the Humanitarian Awards.

McCoo and Davis have received seven Grammy Awards, 15 gold records and three platinum records during their 40-year careers.

They were the lead vocalists of one of the top singing groups of the late '60s and early '70s, The Fifth Dimension, with such songs as "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In," "Wedding Bell Blues" and "Stoned Soul Picnic."

Donaldson is a comedian and communications leader. Since 1984, she has spoken at more than 900 events in dozens of industries across North America. She has been a featured guest on many radio stations including KABC Radio in Los Angeles. Her television appearances include "Good Day New York."

Donaldson was recently chosen to be the "pitch coach" for the finalists of the "American Inventor" show. She has an audio collection of her comedic routines.

At the dinner, the Simi Valley mayor will honor the recipients of the Humanitarian Awards.

Honorees for 2007 include Simi Valley Care and Share, Willa Dobbs, founder; Interface Children Family Services, Sandie Delzer, volunteer; Food Share of Ventura County, Gloria Gralow, volunteer; and Alcoa Foundation/Alcoa Fastening Systems.

Event organizers are also seeking business sponsorships and auction items. Proceeds from the event will benefit the honoree organizations.

The Simi Valley Community Foundation provides funding and resources to assist in the delivery of, and accessibility to, human services, under the auspices of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce.

For information on event time, cost, reservations, sponsorships or auction items, call Susan Sheppard at the Chamber office, (805) 520-8222.