Girl Scouts take flight at Reagan Library

The Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley hosted their second annual black tie gala on Sat., Sept. 29 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library's Air Force One Pavilion in Simi Valley.

More than 250 guests attended the "Come Fly With Us" event, which raised donations for Girl Scouts throughout the San Fernando Valley.

"Our goal is to bring the Girl Scout leadership development program to more girls than ever before, especially those in the underserved communities, which will truly make a positive and lasting impact on the local area," said Girl Scout Chief Development Officer Melanie Merians.

Gala attendees enjoyed a silent auction, private tours of the museum exhibits and former Air Force One, and dinner and dancing to music provided by the Harry Selvin Orchestra. National Public Radio special correspondent Kitty Felde served as master of ceremonies, presiding over a program that honored two scientists from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Rosaly Lopes and former Girl Scout Dr. Pamela "Pan" Conrad.

The honorees were presented with the Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley's prestigious W.I.N.G.S. award.

"We believe that every girl deserves an opportunity to learn skills in math, science, and technology," said Gerry Keshka, CEO of Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley. "One of the most important actions we can take is to help girls develop the skills they'll need to succeed in the 21st century, and provide them with strong, positive mentors- people like Rosaly Lopes and Pan Conrad- who can inspire and encourage them along the way."

Proceeds from the event will help support many Girl Scout science and technology-related initiatives planned throughout the San Fernando Valley, including a Brownie Science Day next month; a math, science and technology conference at Pierce College in January; and a Medical Day for middle and high school girls at Tarzana Hospital in March.

"We want to give girls as many opportunities as possible to become technologically savvy and to explore everything the world has to offer them," Keshka said.

For more information about Girl Scouting, visit the website www.SFVgsc.org, or call (818) 886-1801.