On the Town: Holiday sale keeps league members hopping

Members of the Assistance League of Glendale have been busy bees.

In addition to some eight volunteers working in the Thrift Alley second-hand shop, another 10 ran the three-day Christmas in July Sale in the main meeting room of the clubhouse.

Some worked a couple of hours at the sale while others stayed until closing.

Chair Sylvia Kowal had collected holiday-themed donations since January, said Pearl Wells, who filled me in on the particulars.

It’s just amazing how much holiday merchandise is donated over just one year, she added. The room was filled.

Many hours were spent just pricing each item. Rita Turkmany had organized the jewelry display where everything was half price all three days.

Kowal, who has a knack for marketing, slipped a $1 green tag on several small items. On the third day, everything was half price, so members were really buzzing.

Even President Marcie Haug worked the cash register for more than two hours.

Wells had a couple of interesting stories.

One woman was shopping at the Thrift Alley for a dress to lift the spirits of her hospitalized grandchild. She was so pleased with the customer service, she returned the next day and brought treats for the volunteers at the holiday sale.

And so many items caught the eye that it was hard not to take something home, Wells said.

Haug was charmed by a set of plastic candy canes that light up. She called her husband for permission to buy them because he’d be installing them along their walkway next Christmas.

Everyone really got into the holiday spirit, Wells said.

Proceeds go to the organization’s philanthropic endeavors including Operation School Bell, SAT seminars, Authors and Illustrators Day and Senior Neighborhood Fellowship.

Campbell Center plans third poker night

Organizers of the Campbell Center’s third annual Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament are betting on another successful event after raising $22,000 last year.

Check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the tournament will follow at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26 at the center, 6512 San Fernando Road, Glendale.

Campbell clients will greet guests and serve up selections at the buffet table.

This poker tournament has quickly become a popular fundraiser, said Muhannad Malki, event co-chair.

“This event has now found its place on the list of must-attend happenings in the community, bringing out poker aficionados and amateurs alike for a great cause,” he said.

Kim Guard, co-chair, added that her friends are looking forward to seeing the clients and getting involved in the friendly competition.

“Word of mouth has been great, and we are confident that this year’s event will attract an even greater number of sponsors and players, all gathering to help make a difference by raising funds in support of the Campbell Center programs and services,” she said.

Other committee members include Jodi Deranja, Robert Schacht and Jack Darakjian.

Sponsorships range from $500 to $2,000, while an individual player buy-in is $100.

Online registration is open now at thecampbell.org, under the “Events” section.

For more information, contact Rita Hopkins at (818) 242-2434 or rita@thecampbell.org.

Bingo gives a boost to military veterans

Another greatly anticipated event coming up is the Community Bingo Night organized by the dynamic duo known as the American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614.

This sixth annual event will be held on Aug. 18 inside Healy Hall at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Ave, Montrose.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m,. and the first game will begin at 7.

Proceeds will benefit military veterans’ programs in the community.

The whole family can share this experience and, as I’ve said before, I think the whole community turns out for it. The tables are packed. And who can blame them as the prize for each game is a minimum of $100.

In addition to the games, there will be delicious food items and a raffle.

Admission will be $15 per person, which will include four bingo cards for 10 games. The bingo event is limited to 250 players.

Tickets are available from American Legion members and the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce Office, 3131 Foothill Blvd., #D, in La Crescenta from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, contact Dick Clubb at (818) 384-5761.

JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.