Courtesy photo

Maria Prescott, executive director of Hospice of the Conejo, accepts a check from Democratic Club Treasurer Jerry Clein, left, and President Tom Mullens.

The Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley's Volunteer Recognition Dinner on December 12 benefited the Hospice of the Conejo Valley in the amount of $1,700. About 100 members and guests gathered to recognize volunteers, enjoy musical entertainment and hear Claudia Bill-de la Pena, and Maria Prescott, all benefiting Hospice of the Conejo Valley. The event at the TO Inn included cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres, followed by dinner. The evening started with musical memories by club members Charles & Marilyn Davis, and their daughter, Maripat who sang, accompanied by Bob Erickson. A DVD covering Hospice's 30 years in the Conejo was viewed during dinner.President Tom Mullens MC'd the event and introduced our special guests. Sandy Emberland spoke on the importance of volunteers in our club and many organizations that depend on volunteers, such as Hospice of the Conejo Valley. Don & Rickey Katz, long-time members, received special recognition. All members who helped with club events this year were presented with a donkey "volunteer" pin to wear proudly in their future endeavors. In all, 45 members were recognized.Claudia Bill-de la Pena, City Council member from Thousand Oaks, spoke on the importance of volunteering in the city and how much of a financial impact it has on the city budget.Maria Prescott, joined by a dozen Hospice Volunteers, showed some projects that volunteers had developed and shared. Being a volunteer hospice means that they must raise money through donations to fund their activities. Tom Mullens and Jerry Clein, treasurer, presented a check to Maria. In total, the evening netted hospice about $1,700.

Between speakers, Penny Strowger and her committee drew raffle winners for a 50/50 raffle, won by Kathy Smiley, and for a variety of raffle baskets. Kathy generously donated her half of the raffle to Hospice.Jim McIntyre conducted a live auction of a 1 week vacation on the Mexican Riviera near Puerto Vallarta, donated by Ingrid Van Eckert. After lively bidding, the week was won by the Gunther family. This was the first volunteer recognition event sponsored by the club, and by all accounts was a big success. We will have plenty of opportunities to volunteer next year, which is an election year.