Assistance League plans evening event

PROMOTING A WORTHY CAUSE- - Joyce Merkle, left, Carol Mullen, center, and Dee Degen, members of the the Conejo Valley chapter of Assistance League, are extending an early invitation to their gala masquerade party scheduled at the new Four Seasons Hotel later this winter.

Assistance League of Conejo Valley will host its annual masquerade fundraiser on Sat., March 3 at the new Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

"We invite the community to join us for a wonderful evening of fine dining, dancing to the music of Wade Morris and participating in truly exciting live and silent auctions," said league president Shirley Eichhorn.

"This is our one major fundraiser that supports numerous league philanthropy projects aimed at helping youngsters and adults in the community," Eichorn said.

Those who are interested can visit the Assistance League website, www.alcv.net, to learn more about the Conejo Valley chapter of Assistance League.

The event will help fund Operation School Bell, which distributes more than 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies; clothing packets filled with pants, a sweatshirt, T-shirts, underwear and socks for first and secondgraders; and vouchers for shoes.

In addition, the league's Share-a-Bear project distributes 1,700 teddy bears to hospitals and health clinics for children in stressful situations.

A literacy program gives firstand second-graders one-on-one support from league members to improve children's reading skills.

Another project, Transitional Living Care, provides clothing and household items, mentoring and emotional support to young adults, ages 17, 18 and 19, who are leaving the foster care system.

For additional information or to receive an invitation to the masquerade, call Carol Mullen at (805) 231-9936 or visit the website.