Hospice to present benefit

Hospice of the Conejo and supporters will host the organization's annual fundraiser, "Las Vegas Cool," casino night at 7:30 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 10 at The Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks.

The evening will feature both live and silent auctions along with numerous prize-winning opportunities. More than $30,000 in prizes is being donated by local businesses and Hospice sponsors.

Guests will be entertained by Elvis impersonator Raymond Michael and his seven-piece band. The event will also feature buffet-style hors d'oeuvres.

"Bring a Friend" is this year's theme, according to Deanie Scarangello, Hospice vice president and co-chair of the event.

"Last year was the first Las Vegas Cool held at the shopping center, and we really appreciate The Oaks management acting as location host. Because of that exposure, we were able to draw 450 to 500 people.All evening long people stopped us to tell us what a great time they were having. This year we're asking everyone who attended to just bring a friend.We can double the attendance and have a successful evening for Hospice," said Scarangello.

Extra scrip will be provided to those bringing a guest if the guest is coming for the first time.

Hospice of the Conejo is a nonprofit volunteer communitybased organization that has served Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Moorpark, Agoura and Calabasas

since 1977. Hospice exists to provide dignity and comfort to those with terminal illness and to support their loved ones before and after the death. Hospice serves all ages free of charge.

Las Vegas Cool volunteers and service organizations supporting Hospice this year include the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, the Soroptimist Club of the Conejo Valley, Zonta Club of the Conejo Valley and city of Thousand Oaks employees.

"We anticipate approximately one-third to one-half of our volunteer corps will come from those groups," said Arias.”We will need approximately 150 volunteers just for that one evening."

Ticket prices are $50 advance purchase and $75 at the door. Tickets are available at The Oaks Guest Services booth or at the website www.lasvegascool.org.

For additional information, call (805) 495-2145.