Date of Education Foundation gala approaching

The Simi Valley Education Foundation will host the Celebration of Education Annual Gala on Saturday, March 8 at the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception with complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. A dinner and live auction will follow. A band will provide live music for dancing until midnight.

Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at www.svef.org.

Event proceeds will provide supplemental funds for the local public schools. Gala Sponsorship Opportunities are available for organizations and businesses.

During the past year, the foundation has provided the following funds to the local school district:

• More than $72,000 in enhancement grants to teachers, departments and entire schools to purchase educational supplies, science materials, books and software.

• $5,000 to high school seniors to continue their education.

• $5,000 in professional development scholarships to teachers.

• Funding programs for drug education and drunk-driving prevention.

For more information on sponsorships, tickets or to receive an invitation, call Executive Director Cindy Jacoby at (877) 746-4543 or e-mail info@svef.org or visit www.svef.org.

Girl Scouts seeking donations for foster children

Girl Scout Troop 678 is collecting donations of clothing and toiletries for Operation Care Bags, which gives the items to abandoned, abused or neglected children going to foster homes.

The most needed items for the care bags are boys' clothing, such as shirts, pants, jackets, socks and pajamas for any age, as well as girls' outfits for any age and infant receiving blankets.

Only new items will be accepted.

The deadline is March 13.

The project is part of the community service requirements needed for the troop to earn the Bronze Award.

For more information or to make a donation, call Dianna McRae at (805) 306-1898.