On the Town: Embellishing a female accessory for charity
The 14th annual Bras for a Cause was an event befitting a queen. Members of Soroptimist International of Glendale chose “Embrace the Goddess in You” for the theme and several creators and sponsors elegantly illustrated it on 20 entries.
President Carol Ann Burton gave the official welcome, while Glendale City Councilwoman Paula Devine, who is a member and past president, brought greetings from the city. Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian ably ran the live auction including a seven-day cruise for two, a week in Mammoth and other chic gifts fit for royalty.
Burton reminded all that Soroptimist’s goal each year is to provide funds to support local nonprofits through its Service Grant Awards, which promotes programs that educate and empower women and girls.
“Our vision is to see that women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams,” she said.
Some of the area nonprofits that received grants last year were Ark Family Center, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital, Girl Scouts of America, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Glendale Unified School District and Hillsides.
Kathy Lefkovits, decorated bras chair, announced the winners with help from Sandy Moreno, awards chair.
The Most Beautiful honor went to “A Golden Goddess” created by cancer patients and survivors in the art class at Glendale Adventist Cancer Center. The mannequin was wrapped in a shimmering silver-blue bra with white and blue peacock plumes attached to the back fanned out high above the torso.
“Victoria’s Throne Italian Goddess of Victory,” designed by Serafina Kenwood and Sharlene Kayne, received the Theme Award.
Recognition for Most Unique was bestowed on “Serenity, the Dragon Goddess” by Michelle Wakeland. The mannequin’s graceful arms were held high displaying golden wings.
The Most Humorous honor was presented to “Cleo — Goddess of Denial,” featuring a Cleopatra-like doll draped across a cushy throne.
The People’s Choice Award was won by “Inspired by You,” created by the Glendale Police Department’s Explorer Post 104.
Judging were Michelle Galanti, director of cardiology and transportation at Glendale Memorial Hospital; Keith Hobbs, chief executive of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital; and Irene Bourdon, president of the Healthcare Foundation at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
Event co-chairs Laurie Leask and Heather Watson Ghermezian presented the Support Award to Robin McCary, who was honored for her benevolent spirit in supporting breast cancer victims and awareness after her sister-in-law, who is also a dear friend, survived the disease.
McCary has hosted a table of 10 guests at each Bras for a Cause for many years. She donates time to Taking the Reins, an equine program that helps teenage girls, and is a member of La Providencia Guild, which raises funds for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Others on the event committee were Joan Allan, Suzanne Bangert, Ilena Blicker, Margo Bottcher, Dolly Carl, Gayle Craig, Miryam Finkelbert, Tatiana Gasparyan, Susan Hunt, Jane Karageorge, Mary Lotz, Denise Michele, Debbie Mallon, Jory Potts, Lou Rhodes, Sandy Schultz, Kathryn Van Houten, Sue Wilder and Martha Wilson.
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.