Gymnast to Appear at Macy’s Fund-Raiser

Clowns, hula dancers and fashion models will join Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug in the Macy’s Sherman Oaks Benefit Shopping Day.

The event, which will take place Wednesday at Fashion Square Sherman Oaks, will benefit 61 nonprofit organizations, many of which are based in the San Fernando Valley. The mall event will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Each year the number and variety of organizations increases as word of how simple and successful it can be to participate in this event is spread throughout the nonprofit sector,” said Jeff Manick, manager of the Sherman Oaks Macy’s.

A fashion show featuring a dozen models is scheduled for 2 p.m. Cooking demonstrations--including one from a Hawaiian chef with a hula-dancing entourage--are planned for 7 p.m. Musicians will perform throughout the day and entertainment for children will be offered.

Strug, a gold medalist at the Atlanta Summer Olympics, will autograph photos inside Macy’s at 3 p.m.

Tickets are being sold for $10 by participating organizations and at the Sherman Oaks Macy’s. Organizations selling tickets to the event keep the $10; proceeds from tickets sold at Macy’s will be divided equally among the 61 organizations.

Macy’s plans to contribute $3 from each ticket an organization sells for the benefit. Ticket holders also will get discounts on Macy’s merchandise.

For details and a list of participating organizations, call (818) 379-2810.