NORTHRIDGE : Singer Helps School Raise a Cool $60,000

A Northridge school fund-raiser that featured a live performance by singer Jeffrey Osborne has netted $60,000 to help install air-conditioning on campus, organizers said.

The black-tie dinner event, held over the weekend at a hotel in Universal City and hosted by television personality Byron Allen, was dedicated to raising money for cooling systems in more than 20 classrooms at Topeka Drive School. Osborne, a rhythm-and-blues singer whose daughter attends the school, donated his time to perform an hourlong concert during the $100-a-ticket gala.

Revenue included proceeds from the auction of such items as basketballs autographed by Earvin (Magic) Johnson and a sequined dress once worn by pop star Whitney Houston. Top money-getters were a diamond bracelet that drew $1,700 and the chance to have Osborne sing at a wedding, an offer that fetched $2,600, event spokesman Mark Weissmann said.

The school will now begin the hunt for contractors to do the installation work.