On the Town: Bras for a Cause event raises funds for women’s health services
“Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” was the theme of the 15th annual Diamond Anniversary of Bras for a Cause.
The newly refurbished Chevy Chase Country Club was the sparkling setting for the fundraiser on Saturday.
Also celebrated was the 75th anniversary of the sponsoring organization Soroptimist International of Glendale.
In her welcome to some 400 members and guests, Jacqueline Hawley, Soroptimist president, turned the theme around by announcing, “Friends are a Girl’s Best Diamonds.”
And, indeed, it was a night honoring those friendships and supporting those in attendance who had survived breast cancer.
One of those survivors is state Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale). In absentia, she received the Soroptimist International of Glendale Support Award. A video was projected in which Friedman expressed her gratitude.
“As a breast cancer survivor, Bras for a Cause is very personal to me. You put joy and creativity together to celebrate women’s bodies,” she said.
Friedman ended with “May the best bra win.” At the end of the evening winning bras were announced. Friedman’s district director Sarojini Lall accepted the award on her behalf.
Glendale Mayor Vartan Gharpetian offered greetings from the city and awarded his Mayor’s Commendation to Soroptimist members in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the organization’s founding.
His honor also recognized his wife, Armina Gharpetian, a Glendale Unified school board member.
Other members of the school board present were Nayiri Nahabedian, board president, and Greg Kirkorian, board vice president. More dignitaries introduced included Glendale City Councilwoman Paula Devine and her ever lovin’ Art, and Ann Ransford, a member of the Glendale Community College board of trustees.
Talin Mangioglu, district director for state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada), represented him at the event.
Master of ceremonies, comedian Richy Leis, provided comedy relief. He also was auctioneer for the “Fund the Need” program, in which donors paid for $100 mammograms for local women in need. Another $50 paid for one local high school girl’s attendance at a Soroptimist seminar on career opportunities. Other Soroptimist programs also received donations.
Sprinkled throughout the evening were announcements of winners of opportunity ticket drawings. For $50, Glendale resident Pat Hurley won a diamond necklace. Another drawing cost $200 a ticket for prizes, including a grand prize of $5,000.
Also available for purchase at $25 each were 100 hidden prizes on a Mystery Board. Glendale resident Miryam Finkleburg was the lucky winner of a California lottery Scratcher that could bring in the big bucks. The Mystery Board prize money added $2,500 to the evening’s proceeds.
The evening came to an end with the announcement of the decorated bras awards. The announcers were Decorated Bras chairperson Kathy Lefkovits and awards chairperson Sandy Moreno. The judges, all breast cancer survivors, were Ruth McNevin, Varso Bilemjian and Debbie Merriman.
The Most Unique Bra honor went to the bra titled “Growing Strong and Beautiful.” It overflowed with flowers. Its creator/sponsor was Phyllis Nieman in honor of Lou Rhodes.
Most Humorous Bra was called “Diamonds? No! Dogs are My Best Friend” and sported a blue plush dog. Its creator was Mary Betlach. The sponsor was the Chevy Chase Garden Club.
The Best Depiction of the Theme honor was won by “Shine Bright Like a Diamond.” The bra was covered with “diamonds” that reflected colors from a small, twirling projector. The creators/sponsors were Jane Karageorge and Jennifer Bentson-Gebel.
The Most Beautiful Bra title went to “Golden Marilyn” representing Marilyn Monroe in all her glory. Creators were Cancer Survivors of Adventist Health Glendale Cancer Services. Its sponsor was Adventist Health Glendale’s cancer services.
The bra voted People’s Choice was called “Taking Flight.” This most popular bra of the evening sported wings made out of white feathers. Its creator was Michelle Wakeland. The sponsors were Alasdair and Carol Ann Burton in memory of the Burtons’ deceased daughter Cameron Burton.
The 20 decorated bras, including the winners, racked up bids during the silent auction.
Event proceeds will help support programs empowering women and girls as well as breast cancer services and other women’s healthcare services in the local area.
RUTH SOWBY RANDS may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.