WESTLAKE VILLAGE : $50,000 Donation to Assist Chumash

An 87-year-old Westlake Village philanthropist, who says he owes his fortune in real estate to the Chumash Indians, has created a $50,000 endowment fund to assist needy and handicapped Chumash.

Fred Townes of Westlake Village is scheduled to announce his bequest at 4 p.m. today during a fund-raising auction of American Indian art in Ventura.

Chumash Dolphin Dancers and the Coyote Creek Singers will provide the entertainment at the auction, sponsored by the California Indian Education Center in Ventura, with proceeds to benefit American Indian students.

Townes said Friday he wanted to give something back to American Indians.

“I’m living on their land, and feel an obligation to repay them,” Townes said.

The donation is part of a larger $1-million trust fund that the former actor and nightclub entertainer has set up to benefit 22 nonprofit groups. The fund will be administered by the California Community Foundation.

The one-time crooner--who recalls playing bit roles in movies with Wallace Beery and Charles Boyer--said he was determined to do some good with the money that remained after taking care of his family.

“I came into this world empty-handed, and I plan to leave it the same way,” Townes said.

Traditional dances and songs will be performed from 3 to 7 p.m., at which time bidding will begin on more than 100 American Indian artworks and collectibles.

The event will be held at the K. M. Martindale Gallery, 38 W. Main St., in Ventura. Tax-deductible admission is $10, with an additional fee for a buffalo barbecue meal.

For more information, call the California Indian Education Center at 643-4950, or the K. M. Martindale Gallery at (800) 765-6927.