On Fri., June 5, the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura celebrated 18 years of providing free programs of support, education and hope to people with cancer and their families.

The 18th anniversary "Celebration of Life" gala was an inspirational event and a tremendous success, thanks to the dedication and selfless efforts of this year's event contributors.

We want to thank Thomas Crowell, chair of the Wellness Community board of directors, for his leadership as gala chair, along with celebrity chairs Elly and John Schneider, and gala committee members Joan Brewer, Lynn Buchanan, Lilli Cutler, Laurie DeJesus, Angela Donald, Anne Imperato, Randy Keane, Ginny Kreuzberger, Megan Mercer, Zita Rahbar, Leslie Regener, Brittany Schaub, Angela Schwanz, Danielle Sinopoli and a group of caring and hardworking event volunteers.

We extend our gratitude to master of ceremonies, Dr. Terry Paulson and celebrity guest Scott Hamilton.

This year 's celebration awards honored the ongoing contributions of outstanding community members in four categories: Celebration of Life, Zita I. Rahbar; Celebration of Hope, Gail Crawford; Celebration of Excellence, Harry S. Menco, M.D., and Celebration of Philanthropy, Alice and Harvey Diamond.

Thanks to our supporters and volunteers for helping to ensure that people with cancer and their families in our community have access to our free programs of support, education and hope. Suzanne Drace Westlake Village

Drace is president of the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura.