Ventura, CA. - Country recording star Phil Vassar, who has charted 19 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs – including four No. 1 hits – will return to the Ventura Fairgrounds to headline the 20th annual Gold Dust Gala benefit on Saturday, April 17.

Proceeds from the Gold Dust Gala are used for breast cancer detection and treatment, cervical cancer screening and vaccine, and needed diagnostic equipment benefitting women in our community who lack access to life-saving exams. These services are provided by Community Memorial Health System, and administered through the Healthy Women’s Program.

Through past funds raised at the Gold Dust Gala the program was expanded in 2009, with the hiring of an Outreach Education Manager devoted to promoting this critical program by reaching out to women and encouraging them to utilize this vital service. In addition, five public breast cancer screening days (Mammo Day) were held that assisted 85 women. The “Mammo Day” events target specific communities, and start out with breast cancer education at one of our Centers for Family Health, followed by complimentary transportation to and from the Breast Center for mammography exams – all covered under the Healthy Women’s Program.

Tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased online at www.golddustgala.org, or by calling the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation office at 805-667-2881.

The Gold Dust Gala, sponsored by the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation, begins at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, raffles and a barbecue dinner, with Phil Vassar taking the stage at 8:30 p.m.