About 350 people attended the Simi Valley Hospital Foundation's Hats Off to Women Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Reagan Library last week to raise money for a free mammography program.

The event, organized by the First Ladies of the Simi Valley Hospital Foundation, raised $15,000 for the Nancy Reagan Breast Center fund. The money will support free breast screenings for women in Moorpark, Simi Valley and surrounding areas who cannot afford the $160 test.

"In our challenging economic environment this could at some point be me, you, a friend or, perhaps, a relative," said Kathy Scroggin, superintendent of Simi Valley Unified School District.

Attendee and Simi Valley resident Susan Dragoo, who was to undergo her final chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer last Monday, urged women to take advantage of the free screening program because early detection is the best protection.

"I'm so grateful for this grant program—it saved my life," said Dragoo, who was diagnosed last September after a free mammogram detected her malignancy.

The Nancy Reagan Breast Center performed about 11,500 mammograms in 2008, said Darwin Remboldt, president and CEO of Simi Valley Hospital.

Remboldt gave a brief update on capital improvements at the hospital in recent months, noting the medical institution is equipped with stateofthe-art technology paid for, in part, with foundation money.

Keynote speaker, Ann Jillian, an award-winning actress and singer and 23-year breast cancer survivor, praised volunteers for the work they do before she shared jokes and inspirational messages. Her speech, "The Winner in You," emphasized that challenges are an opportunity for growth.

"All of us have gone through one thing or another or will at some point. When you get down to it, it's about optimism in the face of challenge. My motto is, after you pray, accept, adapt and move on," she said.

Foundation leaders and guests recognized the five women nominated for the 2009 Simi Valley Hospital Foundation Woman of the Year Award.

Finalists were Joanne Abruzzese, Linda White, Peggy Sadler and Michele Hernandez. Each of these women has contributed greatly to improving the lives of children and adults in Simi Valley, said Elaine Freeman, a first lady of the foundation.

The winner of the 2009 award was Simi Valley resident Sally Grant. President of the Boys & Girls Club board of directors, Grant has volunteered for many organizations, including the Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce.

"I do these things because I love the community and people here. I'm just a minute piece in this big picture of wonderful people," she said in an interview with the Acorn.

The three-hour luncheon also featured live and silent auctions, free medical screenings provided by Regal Medical Group and Lakeside Community Medical Group, and a fashion show featuring clothing and apparel from shops at the Simi Valley Town Center mall.

"It was a great event," said Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin, who participated in the fashion show, modeling white jeans, a white sweater and red platform shoes. "I've never modeled before, but I'm doing this because it's for a good cause," she said.

Since last July the foundation has released more than $700,000 for new equipment for the nonprofit hospital, said Susan Myers, executive director for the organization.

The Hats Off event sponsors different programs each year to ensure that the hospital is equipped to serve local residents. Next year, the group plans to collect funds to help expand the emergency room to accommodate the growing communities, she said.