Santa Maria Sun / News

Hobnobbing With Helen

PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

Delighted and delightful Hostess Dee Martini (left) and Altrusa noontime president Melinda Aguirre (right) displayed Sharon Duncan's jewelry that was for sale at Altrusa's fourth annual Chocolate Delight held at Martini's home. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

All this was part of Central Coast Altrusa’s fourth annual Chocolate Delight afternoon affair, held on Sunday, Aug. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dee and Rich Martini’s Orcutt home.

The word surely got out that this was an event not to be missed. The 100-plus turnout exceeded that of last year’s Chocolate Delight, also held at the Martinis.

“The place was packed,” reported Patty Elswick, who sold raffle tickets at the door.

Altrusa charged $25 per ticket for their fundraiser for club operating funds. Enticing raffle baskets brought in even more green. Club members came bearing gifts; they brought food and donated raffle items.

The dining room table was covered with chocolate desserts: brownies, cookies, candy, and the piece de resistance: a huge cake oozing with whipped cream from the Madonna Inn.

The kitchen island boasted a much-visited buffet of egg rolls, chicken wings, burritos, cheese and crackers, fruit, spiced pecans, and shrimp salad.

Outside, on the picturesque, well-appointed patio, perfect for entertaining, keyboardist Jimmy Enos provided garden party background music. Candace Estave did bartender honors. Estave is the North County coordinator for the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Autism Society of America, which is recruiting new board members. Anyone interested can call her at 349-8031.

Old friends Josie Baldiviez (left) and Jimmy Enos (right) met up at Altrusa's Chocolate Delight on Sunday, Aug. 29. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

Past president Sylvia Ng brought husband Ron and in-laws Dr. Daniel and Pricilla Ng.

Last year, most of the ladies dressed up for an afternoon in the garden. This year, the dress code was more casual and relaxed.

Altrusa of the Central Coast is gearing up for its annual Christmas Festival of Trees, held last year at Stowell Plaza.

“We open the day after Thanksgiving,” club president Melinda Aguirre said about the event.

International Literacy Day

Aguirre is also jazzed about her club’s program for International Literacy Day, Sept. 11. From noon until 3 p.m. at the Town Center mall (near Weight Watchers), Central Coast Altrusa will give books to children.

“We are having a zoo theme,” Aguirre reported. “Each child will get a mask that represents an animal.” With excitement and glee, she continued, “The masks are the cutest things.” A stuffed animal display is also in the works for the event.

Supporting Altrusa Dr. Daniel and Priscilla Ng (left) and Sylvia and Dr. Ron Ng (right) enjoyed the Chocolate Delight garden party. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

“Mall management,” she added, “has been incredible to us. We appreciate their cooperation.”

The Chocolate Delight Altrusa group is Altrusa International of the Central Coast—the noontimers. The original local Altrusa International Club is called Altrusa International of Santa Maria. They meet at night. This can get confusing for a Hobnobber!

Night-time Altrusa is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a dinner at the Santa Maria Inn on Oct. 16. This club also sponsors a Christmas Extravaganza of decorated trees at the Elks Club every December.

Both groups have contributed gobs of money to local good causes.

If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.