Barbecue Benefits Tree Project

Sherman Oaks residents will raise money for trees at the third annual “Barbecue at Bloomingdale’s” today at Fashion Square Sherman Oaks.

The event, sponsored by the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn., is a benefit for the area’s Ventura Boulevard Tree Planting Project, which is aimed at beautifying the stretch of Ventura between Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard with palms and leafy trees.

“We feel very connected to our community,” said event spokeswoman Elke Heitmeyer. “We feel that trees greatly enhance the quality of life. The air gets better, and it adds a natural element to the otherwise very gray street.”

The barbecue will be held 6 to 10 p.m. inside Bloomingdale’s at 14060 Riverside Drive. Admission--$30 at the door--includes a gourmet barbecue, dancing to the music of the Horace Heidt Swing Machine Band, a fashion show and a silent auction of more than 200 items ranging from musical instruments to antiques. Bloomingdale’s will donate to the tree-planting fund 10% of the amount purchased by association members throughout the day.

Heitmeyer said the event is meant to be fun. “People love the food and entertainment, and relating to other community members. Most people stay until the last minute.”

To date, the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. has planted 150 trees along Ventura Boulevard. Last year’s event raised $15,000 for the effort.

“I think we just are fortunate to have a lot of people who care about the community,” she said.

For information on the association or the barbecue, call (818) 377-4590.