April showers bring May flowers, as well as popular and fun hobnobbing opportunities.
An event that I call “Twenty Shades of Teal” was held on Saturday afternoon, April 14, at the Santa Maria Inn. The official name was the Teal Journey Ovarian Cancer Foundation third annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. The show attracted a crowd of 200 people.
Teal, the color of ovarian cancer awareness, dominated the scene. This was one of those events where my eyes were going boing-boing, trying to take in everything. There was the fabulous table decorations, or the apparel of the ladies who wore something with the symbolic teal, like a hat or a scarf, or in Judy Hearn’s case, the whole enchilada (hat, garment, and shoes).
Even two silent auction items—cakes from Gina’s Piece of Cake—were covered with teal icing.
The decorating committee could not have done better. Tables were decorated with, oh gosh, just the cutest things: glitzy shoes, feathers, and ornaments.
Retired nurse (and one of the Foundation’s three founders) Cristina Martins Sinco was in charge of this fast-moving event. Fourteen models paraded up and down the runway in fashions from Deasee’s Boutique in Orcutt. Lunch was a generously sized chicken and bacon sandwich served on a croissant. Complimentary sparkling wine was at every table.
Ovarian cancer survivors spoke about their experiences with this hard-to-detect, deadly disease. Disseminating information about coping with ovarian cancer is one of the Teal Journey’s goals.
The sold-out event is so popular that they are moving to the Radisson next year so they can accommodate more attendees.
During its short life of three years, the Ovarian Cancer Foundation has raised enough money to be able to give Marian’s Mission Hope Cancer Center almost $40,000. Not bad for a new organization.
Gala for Boys & Girls Club
Speaking of sold-out events, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Maria Valley held its 38th annual Auction and Gala fundraiser on Friday night, April 20, at the Radisson Hotel. There were 262 guests. The gala and auction raised big bucks for the organization.
This is always a festive, busy event.
Among those in the crowd were Bob and Karen Engel, Kim Rosa (general manager of the Sun), Camillia Lanham (executive editor of the Sun), Tim Rooney (owner of Rooney’s Irish Pub), Ted and Beth Ortega, Sheriff Bill Brown, Don Holder, Tom Martinez, Dottie Lyons, and Mark and Natalyn Fast Huerth.
Crystal Zamora, the Boys & Girls Club’s 2018 Youth of the Year, spoke for a few minutes about how much the club has meant to her and how it provided a safe, supportive place. Her emotional remarks brought her hearty applause.
High tech invaded the world of silent auction bidding. All bidding on the many tempting silent auction items was done electronically via guests’ cellphones or tablets. I honestly did not understand exactly how this worked, since I hobnob the old-fashioned way.
Tickets included a hosted bar. Dinner options were filet mignon, salmon, and pasta.
Mingling at Minerva
The Minerva Club is justifiably proud of its annual Spring English Tea and Fashion Show. This year’s sold-out event was held on Saturday afternoon, April 21, at the clubhouse on Boone Street.
Club members hosted tables and were responsible for the table settings. Each of the 10 tables had a different look. Some of the china was old and delicate. Some of the flatware was sterling (wedding gifts or inherited?), and there were Champagne flutes to hold the wonderful Chandon sparkling wine that was available. Tea was served from well-polished silver teapots.
The menu was traditional for high tea: scones with whipped cream, jam, and lemon curd; tea sandwiches and sweets; and, of course, strawberries.
Club member Vicki Wilson assembled a roster of models who sashayed across the stage in fashions from local shops. As she does every year, Vicki wrote an engaging script that takes Minerva members and models through vacation days in London, visiting well-known tourist sites.
Among those enjoying the ambience were Marilyn Benson, Margaret Wielenga, and Maybird Thompson.
To say that this party was delightful is an understatement.
Minerva is on a roll. In April, one of their programs was a Shakespeare quiz that brought gales of laughter to all in the room. Phyllis Landers was a most entertaining “show” hostess.
In early May, the Minerva Club will celebrate the Kentucky Derby with yet another tea. Hats are required (so we think we are at Churchill Downs) and gloves are encouraged. Hearsay has it that mint juleps will be served. I hope the hearsay is right!
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you can reach her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in Apr 26 – May 3, 2018.