Santa Maria Sun / News

Step into another era

BY KRISTINA SEWELL

Polish your spats and grab your garter belts—the Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis is presenting its third annual “Speakeasy” event.

Set to include dinner, dancing, and mock gambling, the Speakeasy event is part of the Kiwanis’ fundraising efforts to support local youth organizations.

On Aug. 10, make your way to the door of the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Maria and whisper the password (“cupcake”) to gain entrance. Dressing in costume is highly encouraged.

“Be whisked back in time to a night of fun, food, and good times knowing that your secret dalliances will support a worthy cause,” said Anna Rubcic, Speakeasy event chair.

According to Rubcic, the night’s festivities will feature heavy appetizers prepared by Julie Posada, vice president designate. Grab a drink at the bar, pay a visit to the jail, or enjoy a tarot reading.

A benefit drawing and silent auction will also take place at the event, with benefit drawing tickets being sold for $200. The winning ticket will be selected at the event; the holder of the winning ticket has a chance to win up to $5,000.

Speakeasy tickets can be bought at the door for $25, or by visiting the Kiwanis website. Anyone making a donation for the benefit drawing ticket will automatically get two passes into the Speakeasy.

Rubcic said that the Kiwanis are hoping to raise $17,000 at this year’s event, a large amount of the income coming from the silent auction featuring items donated by community members.

The Kiwanis, founded in 1923, have a history of commitment to helping children and regularly showing support for local youth and community groups. Rubcic said the Santa Maria Kiwanis support seven clubs including Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley high schools, the Police Activities League, and the Key Club at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center. The Kiwanis also make donations to the Boys and Girls Club, as well as the YMCA.

“It’s a fun event, different than most events in our area. The whole idea is to have fun without being stuffy,” Rubcic said.

For more information on the Speakeasy, visit santamariakiwanis.org.

Staff Writer Kristina Sewell compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at ksewell@santamariasun.com.