Philanthropists honored

The Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor this year's award winners for philanthropy, volunteerism and fundraising at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Wed., Nov. 12 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, 450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

The National Philanthropy Day luncheon is an annual event held in local communities across the nation each November to honor the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism.

The award recipients who will be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to their communities are:

Clifford and Juliette Sponsel— Philanthropist of the Year, Santa Barbara County

Theodore R. Jensen—Philanthropist of the Year, Ventura County

Joanne Rapp—Volunteer of the Year, Santa Barbara County

Lynn Mikelatos—Volunteer of the Year, Ventura County

Rebecca J. Merrell—CFRE, Professional Fundraiser of the Year.

"It is our privilege to celebrate these deserving individuals who personify the true spirit of philanthropy by actively giving of their time and resources for the benefit of others," said Rick Politte, AFP co-chair for the event. "National Philanthropy Day is a fitting occasion to reflect on the gifts that caring people bring to our communities and the differences they make."

For information or to make a reservation, call Lora Barker at (805) 690-6215 or visit www.afpsbv.org.

Lions clubs start project

Lions Clubs of Ventura County will work with local law enforcement and other nonprofits to bring Project Lifesaver to Camarillo.

Project Lifesaver will serve those afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and dementia to help protect them from wandering away from their homes. Lives are lost due to wandering every year. Project Lifesaver uses modern locator technology along with traditional search and rescue methods to help bring patients home.

The project was undertaken by the Ventura Downtown Lions, the Pleasant Valley Lions, the Oxnard Noontime Lions and the Channel Islands Lions clubs in coordination with the Camarillo Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, the city of Camarillo, Senior Concerns of Thousand Oaks and the Alzheimer's Association of Camarillo.

An opening ceremony will be held at noon Tues., Nov. 11 at the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, 1500 Temple Ave., Camarillo.

For more information, e-mail Mike Brown at mjbelectric @worldnet.att.net.

Senior games next summer

The Camarillo Council on Aging is looking for athletes age 50 and older to participate in the inaugural Camarillo Senior Games to be held next summer.

The council is also looking for volunteers to help organize the tournaments.

Events being scheduled include opening ceremonies, basketball, billiards, croquet, dance, golf, horseshoes, road race, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball and closing ceremonies.

For more information, call (805) 484-2046 or e-mail councilonaging@verizon.net.

Church to host concert

Mount Cross Lutheran Church will present its Classical Concert Series at 2 p.m. Sun., Oct. 26 at the church, 102 Camino Esplendido, Camarillo.

Cellist Virginia Kron and pianist Althea Waltes will perform.

Cost is a $15 donation. For more information, call (805) 484-2054.

Cougars fight cancer

The Camarillo Cougars Youth Football Organization will host an informal Cancer Awareness booth during all games on Sat., Oct. 25 at Rio Mesa High School, 545 Central Ave., Oxnard.

The Cougars will donate their portion of the 50/50 raffle winnings from each game to the American Cancer Society.

For more information, e-mail Kristen Kemper at CamCougars @verizon.net.