A mariachi group from Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Los Angeles performed at Altadena/Pasadena Soroptimist's Silent Auction Nov. 3. Photos by the Soroptimists.
from the Altadena-Pasadena Soroptimists
Auctioneer Jane Harris
“Come to a Fiesta” was the theme of Altadena-Pasadena Soroptimists’ Silent Auction this year, held on Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Altadena Senior Center. Soroptimist members decked out the venue with colorful sombreros and other south-of-the border décor. Festive music played in the background while auction attendees bid for items such as tickets to Disneyland, a weekend in San Diego, passes to the 2014 Rose Parade, gift cards to restaurants, salons, and other southern California attractions, original artwork, and numerous themed baskets. Soroptimist members also made delicious food for the occasion, including churros, deviled eggs, chili & cheese wraps, and tempting desserts.
The event was very well attended, and auction bidding began enthusiastically at 1:00 p.m. One major highlight was a talented mariachi group from Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Los Angeles, led by instructor Gilbert Flores, who performed that day. At 3:00 p.m., the various treasures went to the highest bidders, and additional prizes went to those who purchased raffle tickets at the auction. Club Corresponding Secretary Jane Harris presented raffle items to the winners.
The Silent Auction is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year, as club Co-President Marilyn Stalder-Burke pointed out. “It’s a major team effort, and I want to thank the Auction Planning Committee for their hard work – Chair Hannah Petrie, Mary Ann Bennett, Marilyn Commodore, Jane Kolb, Joann Formia, Phyllis Howard, Marge Laris, JoAnn Maisterra, Shirley Manning, and Pat O’Fallon.” Co-President JoAnn Maisterra added, “I’m so pleased that so many of our friends in the community have supported us today in making a difference for women and girls.”
From left: Enola Darnell with auction committee members Marge Laris and Mary Ann Bennett.
With a slogan of “Women Helping Women,” the mission statement of Soroptimist International is to help women and girls throughout the world and in their local communities. Over the years, the Altadena/Pasadena Soroptimist Silent Auction has raised money for causes whose goal is to improve the lives of women and children. A few of the agencies benefiting from the auction include the Door of Hope, Elizabeth House, The Women’s Room, and the Foothill Unity Center. The auction also raises funds for Soroptimist programs like the Women’s Opportunity Award, Ruby Award, and Violet Richardson Award.
