On the Town: Electronic bidding initiated at Scouts Big Strike Auction
Technology will make bidding convenient even if one can’t attend the 42nd Big Strike Auction benefiting the Boy Scouts of America, Verdugo Hills chapter.
The event is set for Sept. 16 and doors open at 6 p.m. at the Calamigos Equestrian banquet hall inside the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank.
The theme will be “Fiesta de Los Verdugos.” The silent auction will have more than 100 items, including sports memorabilia and gift certificates to restaurants and spa packages.
New this year, the bidding can be done by mobile device, said Mark Kraus, chief executive of the organization.
“This is a new thing for us. I’ve used it at another council,” he said. “You can bid by smartphone if you can’t attend.”
Following dinner, longtime radio personality “Shotgun” Tom Kelly will serve as auctioneer.
Live auction prizes will include a private wine class for 20 people and four tickets behind home plate for the Dodgers vs. Padres game on Sept. 25 along with preferred parking pass.
A special Golden Ticket prize is the highlight of the night. Only 100 tickets will be sold at $100 each. The winner can choose one of 15 live-auction prizes offered. Winner need not be present. Tickets are $125 per person and $240 a couple, and can be purchased online at www.bigstrikeauction.com or call (818) 243-6282.
Tickets, sponsorships and donations will be accepted until Sept. 8. Proceeds will benefit the more than 2,200 youth in the council territory. The council covers Glendale, Burbank, Eagle Rock, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Sunland and Tujunga.
Scholarships are offered to help families cover the costs of member registration, uniforms and camp fees.
Soroptimist party is a sweet treat
Guests attending Soroptimist International of Glendale’s annual Summer Party satisfied their sweet tooth — big time.
Margo and Bob Bottcher welcomed some 50 members and friends to their home for the soirée that featured a cake walk and other games. One couldn’t ignore the array of scrumptious cakes lined up on the red-and-white, gingham-checked tablecloth.
It was a delicious opportunity to talk about summer vacations and relax before another year of fundraising begins.
The mission of Soroptimist is to improve the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment.
To learn more, contact soroptimistglendaleinfo@gmail.com.
Lions Club president will wear two hats
Ted Walters is such a devoted member of the Northwest Glendale Lions Club, he is filling two vital positions this year — president as well as club treasurer.
Sondra Tersigni, first vice district governor of Lions District 4-L1, conducted the installation held during the summer.
Outgoing president Tom Masterani reviewed the club’s accomplishments during the past two years, including its participation in the Armenian American Health Expo and contributions of more than $9,000 to local charities and scholarships.
Lions receiving special recognition were Walters, who was named Lion of the Year; Tillman Pink Jr., who received the Sinskey Award, and Steve Weber, who was given the Miracle Worker Award — both honors given by the Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation; Ani Halabi, who received the Harry Aslan Award from the Student Speakers Foundation; and Bill Hurst, who took home the Abdul Award from Canine Companions.
This being the 100th anniversary of Lions Clubs International, all members received anniversary gifts of either cups or miniature clocks.
Masterani was presented a Special Achievement Award by secretary Ross Adams, who also presented attendance pins.
Other officers installed were Pink as first vice president, Weber as second vice president, Adams as secretary, Steve High as tail-twister and directors Christopher Robinson and Ryan Nekota.
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.