On the Town: Soroptimist’s Bras for a Cause is one-of-a-kind success
If Glendale had an award for most unique fundraiser, Bras for a Cause would win every year.
Yes. Soroptimist International of Glendale keeps us lingerie lovers in suspense anticipating how members and friends will try to outdo each other with their creative enhancements of our most vital two-cup support system.
Thoughtful designs this year spanned the gamut from witty and flashy to just beautiful, with many incorporating the theme “Bras for a Cause Celebrates Women Around the World.”
The 13th annual fundraiser drew more than 160 guests to the Oakmont Country Club earlier this month. The event theme coincided with President Lola Abrahamian‘s theme for her year “Enthusiasm Moves the World”.
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Soroptimist members enthusiastically thank their guests for coming back each year, Abrahamian said.
“Our efforts here will not only bring about awareness for breast cancer and support our local hospitals on this cause, but also allow us to donate funds to a variety of nonprofit organizations helping women and girls within our community,” she said.
The winners were announced by event creator Kathy Lefkovits, who was Decorated Bras chair. She was assisted by Jill Lewis, awards chair.
“I want to personally thank everyone who participated in decorating a bra, sponsoring a bra and contributing to this wonderful event,” Lefkovits said. “I’m always amazed at the creativity that comes forth.”
Receiving both the Theme and People’s Choice awards was “Women Rock the World” created and sponsored by breast cancer survivors Ramona Kurasz and Jackie Carlos and their mentor Maryann Robertson, former manager of the Marcia Ray Breast Center at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital. They have been entering the competition since the event’s inception and are usually winners, Lefkovits said.
The Most Unique Award went to “Dining for Women,” created by Karen Bagnard and sponsored by the Altadena chapter of Dining for Women in honor of all women who have, are or will be battling breast cancer.
The Most Humorous Bra was presented to “Vote! Don’t Be a Boob,” which was the idea of Mary Betlach and Joan Binzley and sponsored by Chevy Chase Estates Garden Club in memory of their dear friend Sheila Murray.
The Most Beautiful award went to “Elsa,” which was designed by Theresa Boodakian and Tina Shierts, who were inspired by the character from Disney’s animated film “Frozen.” It was sponsored by Steve and Sue Wilder in honor of Boodakian and all breast cancer survivors.
Judges were Ginger Cole, Soroptimist governor-elect of the Camino Real Region; Pat Crouch, real estate title representative; and Donna Hekler, first recipient of the Bras for a Cause Support Award.
This year’s Support Award went to Don Zachary, who came to the Soroptimist group’s aid when it was in danger of losing the rights to use the “Bras for a Cause” trademark developed 13 years ago as its signature fundraiser.
Glendale’s group was notified that an organization in Iowa was applying for the trademark rights. Zachary took the case pro bono and volunteered numerous hours for almost a year partnering with various agencies to protect Glendale Soroptimist club’s use of the name.
Thanks to event chair Margo Bottcher and her assistant Carol Ann Burton for putting on a unique event with so much class.
Gala raises funds for radiation therapy equipment
The Healthcare Foundation at Glendale Adventist Medical Center will host its annual gala on Sunday with funds going to care services including a new linear accelerator that will provide advanced radiation therapy options to treat cancer patients.
This year, the gala will be in the Platinum Ballroom at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, at 900 W. Olympic Blvd.
Physicians are looking forward to sharing a fun evening with supporters while raising funds for the linear accelerator, said event co-chair Dr. Michele Cosgrove, chief of staff.
“This advanced technology is so important to improve the treatment of cancer patients in the community we serve,” she said.
Cosgrove is being assisted by co-chair Greg Tufenkian, board member on the Healthcare Foundation.
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The black-tie event will feature a gourmet dinner, live auction and entertainment. A highlight will be the presentation of the 2016 Physician Hero award to Dr. Edmund H. Lew, a family practitioner, board-certified geriatrician and medical director of Adventist Health Home Care and Hospice Services. The Physician Hero award is based on nominations from grateful patients.
“This is a unique award because patients nominate their own physician hero through a special tribute program,” said Irene Bourdon, president of the healthcare foundation. “Physicians are recognized in various ways at [Glendale Adventist], but when a doctor receives tributes from patients, it is especially meaningful.”
For reservations, call (818) 409-8055.
Kemp to lead Derby Day auction
The Campbell Center has confirmed that CBS2 weatherman Garth Kemp will serve as auctioneer at the annual Derby Day: Run for the Roses fundraising event on May 7 at Pickwick Gardens and Banquet Center in Burbank.
“Mr. Kemp has been a longtime and much-beloved TV personality whom many of us have welcomed into our living rooms over the years and relied on for our weather forecasts,” said Lola Abrahamian, president of the board of directors of the Campbell Center Foundation.
Among the five live-auction items are the Dodgers deluxe suite for 20 guests, complete with special parking passes, food and beverages. Another item is a private lunch with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee artist Bill Withers.
Derby Day is the Campbell Center’s signature annual fundraiser and packs a variety of activities throughout the afternoon, including a roomful of great items for a silent auction, a hat and derby contest and an opportunity drawing.
Tickets are $100 per person. For information about sponsorship levels and marketing benefits, tables and tickets, call Rita Tomassian-Hopkins at (818) 242.2434 or email her at rita@thecampbell.org.
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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.
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