THOUSAND OAKS : Dance for Disabled Teen-Agers Planned

Organizers of a “Wild, Wild West” dinner-dance for Thousand Oaks teen-agers with disabilities are looking for donations of prizes for participants.

Dozens of disabled teen-agers are expected to attend the fourth annual event Feb. 26, said Cecilia McMullen, therapeutic recreation coordinator with the Conejo Recreation and Park District.

“I think it is one of the only opportunities for them to be at such a large-scale event with all of their friends,” McMullen said.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a barbecue dinner at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center. The dance follows from 7 to 10 p.m. The teen center will be decked out in Western style, and party-goers are invited to do the same, McMullen said.

Every participant receives a bag of small prizes to take home as souvenirs, McMullen said. To donate items or make a reservation to join the fun, call McMullen at 496-2464.

The admission charge is $3, but the sponsoring Thousand Oaks Youth Commission will waive the fee for teen-agers who are unable to pay, McMullen said.