On the Town: Dancers turn up the heat at club’s fundraiser
It was a hot samba night when the La Crescenta Woman’s Club recently presented its fundraiser “Casino Carnivale” in the newly renovated clubhouse.
Members from all three branches — the daytime, junior and evening groups — attended with their significant others and guests, and played casino games to earn raffle tickets for prizes. Some of the big winners were President Marianne Jennings, who received a week vacation at a beach condo, and past president Carol Huntwork, who will be taking friends to the Arboretum concerts in Arcadia this summer.
Julia Robles from the junior section was so excited when her number came up and she won a handful of chips. And, believe it or not, the In-N-Out basket was in highest demand with the most raffle tickets. Cindy Charles won the prize. Member Jennifer Genens and her husband Jon took home two of the raffle prizes after landing big winnings at the tables, which gave them hundreds of raffle tickets.
A show with colorfully costumed samba dancers thrilled the audience, including members’ husbands Frank Virgallito, Kerry Erickson and Erickson’s guest Ed Workman, who all posed for pictures with the lovely dancers. Member Danette Erickson got into the act and danced alongside one of the showgirls.
State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) was one of the auctioneers and Phil Downs met new friends while dealing at the 21 table.
Applause to co-chairs Daryl Baker Pollock and Maryann Baghdasarian who created a memorable evening. Proceeds go to scholarships and community projects.
To join the club, call (818) 658-1104 or email info@lacrescentawomansclub.org.
Campbell Center comes in first on Derby Day
Elected officials and celebrities were among the 200 guests attending the annual Derby Day, which raised more than $103,000 for the Campbell Center, an agency that has helped adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain independence for 63 years. The center serves 130 clients a day.
A highlight of the day was wagering on the Kentucky Derby race, which was live-streamed from Churchill Downs. Guests also enjoyed silent and live auctions, opportunity drawings and a hat-and-derby contest, all at the Pickwick Gardens and Banquet Center in the Rancho Equestrian District of Burbank.
Representing the city was Glendale Councilwoman Paula Devine and newly elected member of the Glendale Unified School District Board of Trustees Shant Sahakian. Celebrities attending were creator of the “Love Boat” Jeraldine Saunders, the legendary singer/songwriter Bill Withers and CBS2 weatherman Garth Kemp, who led the live auction with his effervescent wit and charm.
“We are so grateful to everyone who came out to support our event and get engaged with the day’s various activities,” said Haig Youredjian, former member of the Campbell Center Foundation Board and event co-chair. “From our emcee Vincent Espinoza, who did a superb job and kept the guests entertained, to the wise words of Mr. Withers and the talent of Garth Kemp, the day had something for everyone.”
Campbell clients were greeters, participated in the prize drawings and joined the committee on stage during the Fund-A-Client portion of the program. Guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and silent auction featuring more than 100 items.
Serving on the committee with Youredjian were co-Chair Kim Guard, Jodi Deranja, Jamie Gonzalez and Muhannad Malki. Wendy Jacoby is president of the board of directors and Todd Stokes is president of the foundation. Chief Executive Officer is Sandy Moreno and Foundation Executive Director is Rita Hopkins.
A little history, a little wine to support YWCA
Officials with the YWCA Glendale are mixing history with wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. this Thursday at Rosso Wine Shop, 3459 N. Verdugo Road in Glendale.
Wine lovers will sip and connect with friends while viewing historical YWCA Glendale photos and memorabilia that span five decades.
Guests must be 21 or older. Proceeds will benefit YWCA Glendale’s programs for women and children.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and include a selection of wines to taste and small bites. Purchase tickets at www.glendaleywca.org/wine-event. For information, email info@glendaleywca.org or call (818) 242-4155, Ext. 213.
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.