Ventura Farms Hosts Gala Fundraiser New West Symphony League 'Day at Ascot'

CARRIAGE ENTRANCE-Dole Foods owner and Ventura Farms host David Murdock tips his hat to the crowd as he and event co-chairs Judy Linton, right, and Elda Bielanski arrive for dinner on the lawn. MADE IN THE SHADE-Simi Valley resident Norma Wallace, below, stays cool under her Chinese umbrella at New West Symphony League's "Day at Ascot" fundraiser for youth music. HAT FIX-Westlake Village resident Marge Ceran touches the hat of Carmela Elsley as her husband, Richard, looks on. The event on Saturday featured live and silent auctions and various other activities. SILENT AUCTION BIDDING-Above, Westlake Village residents Gemma Bombongan, left, and Mary Shaughnessy check the auction bid sheets during the gala fundraiser at David Murdock's elegant Hidden Valley estate. FANCY DRESS-Below, Calabasas residents Loretta and Tom Hanson were among those in attendance at the New West Symphony League's "Day at Ascot." Many guests took tours of Ventura Farms, its gardens and orchid conservatory. MILLINERY-Anita Shum, above, Sharon Caestecker, center, both Westlake Village residents, and Camille Cox of Thousand Oaks show off their fancy hats in celebration of the fundraiser for children's music programs associated with New West Symphony. FINE ARAB CHARGER-Ventura Farms trainer Jesus Alvarez rides a costumed chestnut Arabian 5-year-old gelding named Patriot VF during the New West Symphony League's fundraiser, "Day at Ascot." Proceeds from the Ventura Farms event last Saturday will help children's music programs. PROMENADE- Thousand Oaks residents Richard and Carmela Elsley stroll the grounds in fine attire in keeping with "Day at Ascot" theme. The event was held at estate near Lake Sherwood.