Free Clinic announces Spirit Award winner

The Board of Directors for the Free Clinic of Simi Valley has selected Peter Kiesecker, president of Pacific Kies Inc., as recipient of its Spirit Award for 2007.

This award will be presented at the clinic's annual benefit dinner/auction on Oct. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley.

The hosted wine and hors d'oeuvres reception and tour of the library will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the dinner, program, and auction at 7 p.m. Auction items include vacations, a full body scan and signed memorabilia from the "Survivor" TV show.

The black-tie optional event is the single largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. Sponsorships are available.

Serving as honorary chair of this event will be Cameron Smyth, assemblyperson for the 38th District which includes eastern Simi Valley. A representative from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is scheduled to participate.

Tickets are $125. All proceeds benefit the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.

For more information and dinner reservations, call the clinic at (805) 522-3733 or event co-chair Melanie Wank at (805) 5226617. Reservations are due today, Fri., Oct. 19.

Kiesecker formerly headed GreenPark Runkle Canyon in Simi Valley and has spent 20 years in the land development and home building industries. As a founding member and president of Greystone Homes, he led the growth of that company from three to 450 employees in six years.

Kiesecker is a long-term supporter of the Free Clinic and has also sponsored charitable events for the city's Education Foundation, Cultural Arts Foundation, Police Foundation, Historical Society, and Council on Aging.

For many years, he has actively supported breast cancer awareness, and he serves as a board member of the Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano, which improves the lives of disabled youth through horse-related programs.

The Free Clinic offers primary medical care, legal assistance, and individual and family counseling to 70,000 adults and children residing in Simi Valley, Moorpark, and surrounding communities, regardless of their ability to pay.