A sartorial stroll for support

The Foothill Civitan Club of Burbank staged its 29th annual fashion show luncheon fundraiser under the theme “Strolling Down the Avenue” on May 7 in the Starlight Room at the Castaway Restaurant.

Welcomed by the organization’s chairwoman, Elizabeth Kenney, the day’s program and fashion show were co-emceed by Ann Marie Coppen and actor Jack McGee, best known for his role as Fire Chief Jerry Reilly on the FX television series “Rescue Me,” and from last year’s Academy Awards best picture nominee, “The Fighter,” in which he played the main character’s father.

Following lunch, the afternoon’s main event turned to the catwalk as Civitan Club members and supporters donned fashions provided by Holiday Hats and Gowns of Montrose. Among those who sartorially strolled were Janet Jordan, Judy Torres, Ann-Margaret Coppen, Jill Thomas, Kathie and Clint Kenney, Millie Montante, Muguet Fonteboa, Linda Colley and Craig Gordon.

This annual event serves as the Foothill Civitan’s premier fundraiser with proceeds used to support numerous community projects and scholarships at local high schools. Over the years, the Civitans have underwritten the cost of three Canine Companions for Independence assistance dogs and have financially supported BCR — “a place to grow,” Tierra Del Sol, the Burbank Police Department’s K-9 Unit, the Burbank Salvation Army and Hands Across the Battlefield. They also sponsor three families through the Burbank Coordinating Council’s Christmas Basket Program and the annual Girls Ponytail Jamboree.

Among those who made this year’s fashion show possible included Karen Hubbard, Joni Kilgore, Mary Bernier, Sandy Lucas, Joanne Adams, Marge Llanusa and Jenice McGlynn. Others whose presence and support made for a successful event were Cheryl and Bruce Benke, Beverlee Broggie, Dolores Flannagan, Judy Henry, Anne Hess, Will and Dawn Jeffrion, Nancy Koch, Doris Lion, Betsy McLaughlin, Joan Newbro, Carol Nicholson, Sharyl Overholser, Deanna Pettersen, Lynette Schweizer, Mary Spilman, John Stroud, Shirley Witt, and the organization’s president, Dee Dee Ruhlow.

Along with a day of enjoyment and raising much needed funds, last week’s fundraiser also gave local Civitans the opportunity to honor the memory of one of their founding members and past-president, Jean Stroud, who recently died. Along with her dedication to the local Civitans, Stroud also served as the first female governor of the organization’s California District.

Chartered in 1977 as Chapter 2461, the Foothill Civitan Club is a part of the worldwide organization of Civitans that provides service with emphasis on aid to persons with developmental disabilities and special needs, youth leadership development and good citizenship.