On the Town: Sorority women toast to the grape at benefit
Fans of wine and those just curious were mesmerized when a professional led a tasting during the 69th annual benefit luncheon sponsored by the Glendale Area Alumnae Panhellenic.
The event was titled “Of Wine & Wine Tasting.” Appropriately, a cheese plate embellished with grapes and a bevy of sparkling glasses graced each table in the main dining room of the Oakmont Country Club.
Paul Woolls, proprietor of Progeny Winery on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, along with his assistant Maya Stodder and their staff, chose six wines for the group to try.
In her introduction of Woolls, Elaine Chapman, benefit chair, told how he became intrigued with the history of wine while attending college as he pursued his law degree and later took classes to broaden his knowledge of international and domestic wines. In 2006, he purchased a one-time cattle ranch and, with the first harvest in 2012, his Progeny Winery was born.
Woolls Ranch is planted with the traditional five Bordeaux varietals, along with classic red and white Rhône varietals.
Chapman presented Woolls with a beautiful boxed collection of corks.
Members helping with the event were Glendale residents Kim Westhoff, the organization’s president, Julie Weller and Deb Anne Orfalea, Burbank resident Georgine Archer as well as Jerri Johnson, Lynne Graves, Janice Paul, Rachel Clugston, Teri Craft and Marta de Paula Cea.
The Glendale Area Alumnae Panhellenic is a nonprofit organization serving Glendale and surrounding areas with member volunteers from many of the 26 sororities recognized by the National Panhellenic Conference.
The benefit luncheon provides scholarships for area high school girls going to a four-year college or university and eligible college undergraduates who are members in good standing with one of the 26 Panhellenic sororities.
Auxiliary takes in a day at the races
Members of Las Caritas, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Glendale, gathered with their guests at Santa Anita Race Track for their “Springtacular” annual fundraiser.
In between races, about 130 people bid on more than 90 silent auction items, lined up for the Mystery Board, which had a variety of gift cards hidden in white envelopes, and enjoyed a delicious buffet.
Lots of cheering could be heard as the horses raced to the finish line. Smiles indicated winners and straight faces indicated maybe next time.
Proceeds support the group’s philanthropies including donations to the food bank at Glendale Unified School District’s Healthy Start program, the purchase of hygiene items to make 500 health kits for students in Glendale schools and meals for those in Ascencia’s Homeless Shelter through the Guest Chef program.
During the holidays, gifts and gift cards are donated to children living at the shelter. When families enter into transitional housing, supplies are donated to help them set up their homes.
Rosina Maize, Las Caritas chair, thanked everyone for supporting the organization and its philanthropies. She then introduced and gave many thanks to the chairs including Sandy Fleischer, Rose Newman and Jan Vallier.
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.