Barbecue Party to Fund Tree-Planting

To raise money for tree plantings along Ventura Boulevard, the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. will host a barbecue dance party inside Bloomingdale’s department store tonight.

“The food and drink and entertainment will be enjoyed inside the store and out of the heat, while the cooking will be done outside,” said Matt Epstein, vice president of the homeowners association and co-chairman of the event, which will include live musical entertainment and a silent auction of merchandise from local businesses. Nearly 300 items worth a total of about $30,000 will be auctioned off, Epstein said.

“Every penny from the auction goes to the tree planting on Ventura Boulevard,” said Richard Close, president of the homeowners association. The money raised by the barbecue will help plant trees between Van Nuys Boulevard and Kester Avenue.

In addition, Bloomingdale’s will donate 10% of the receipts from purchases in the store today to the tree planting efforts, Epstein said.

Badges will be available at the door throughout the day to identify association members.

Admission to the barbecue is $20. The party begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 10 at Bloomingdale’s, corner of Hazeltine Avenue and Riverside Drive.

For more information, call Epstein at (818) 789-7471.