Southeast Ventura County YMCA 6th Annual Gala
Raises $400,000 To Support YMCA Youth Programs
Terry and Brenda Moore and Ruve and Neal McDonough
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA 6th Annual Gala raised $401,155 to support YMCA youth programs.
The event was held outdoors on September 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. It attracted over 300 guests and featured a reception, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions and after-party. The gala also celebrated the 60 th anniversary of the Southeast Ventura CountyYMCA.
Honored for his nearly 30-year commitment and support of the YMCA was Larry
Persons. Persons volunteered on branch boards and currently serves as the board chair
of the YMCA. Receiving the Community Leadership Award for their commitment to the
community and their partnership with the Y, was Simi Valley Unified School District.
Ventura County Supervisor, Janice Parvin presented the award to Dr. Angelica Chavez
of SVUSD. Actor Neal McDonough hosted the evening.
The event highlighted many local YMCA programs that are supported by community
donations including Safety Around Water, which teaches children water safety and
basic swimming skills at no cost. Over 1,000 children participated in the program in
2023. Sessions take place throughout the year.
Other YMCA programs funded primarily by donations are the YMCA’s Find My Genius
no-cost achievement gap learning program for low and moderate-income students,
inclusive programming for children with intellectual developmental disabilities and a
scholarship program to ensure everyone can take part in YMCA activities regardless of
the ability to pay including Youth and Government, which teaches high school youth the
values of democracy and government.
“We are very grateful for our donors. Every day, we see the difference their generosity
makes to so many in our community,” says Ronnie Stone, Southeast Ventura County
YMCA President/CEO.
The Southeast Ventura County YMCA consists of the Yarrow Family YMCA (serving the
Conejo Valley and Moorpark), Simi Valley Family YMCA and 13 childcare facilities. For
more information about the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and its programs, visit