The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura will celebrate 17 years of providing support, education and hope to people fighting cancer at its Anniversary Gala fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village on May 30.

The gala will honor Dr. Henry Montes, Nancy Colton and Andrea Roschke for their work with the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura and the Amgen Foundation for its longtime support. Amgen Foundation President Jean Lim will accept the award on behalf of the foundation.

"These three people and the Amgen Foundation have been an inspiration and motivation to all those in our community," said Suzanne Drace, president of the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura. "Our 17th anniversary celebration is a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation to those who have helped us continue to provide free programs of support, education and hope to cancer patients and their families in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County."

Montes will receive the Celebration of Excellence Award for his leadership on the group's Latino Advisory Board and Professional Advisory Board.

Colton, who will be honored with the Celebration of Hope Award, is a breast cancer survivor, support group participant and daughter of board member Harriet Wasserman.

Roschke, a mother, caregiver and business owner, will receive the Celebration of Life Award in recognition of her spirit and determination to remain positive throughout her experiences as a caregiver.

The Amgen Foundation will be honored with this year's Celebration of Philanthropy Award. Amgen is a longtime supporter of the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, with grants from the foundation funding programs of hope, support and education so they can be offered at no cost to people facing cancer.

The Anniversary Gala will feature Master of Ceremonies Terry Paulson, a motivational speaker, psychologist, author and longtime Wellness Community Professional Advisory Board member.

The gala will also feature the Harry Selvin Orchestra, dinner and a live auction. This year's auction items will include a weeklong New Year's Orlando resort getaway; a week in Breckinridge, Colo.; a two-night stay and wine package at Paso Robles' Hotel Cheval; and a one-week Christmas ski vacation in Park City, Utah.

Tickets are $225 each. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the organization's free programs.

The gala will be followed by the annual National Cancer Survivors Day Picnic on May 31.

To purchase tickets, donate auction items, advertise or become a sponsor for the gala, visit http://www.TwcVv.org, or call Grace Morris at 379-4777.