By Shana LiVIGNI

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club held its Annual Luncheon and American Beauty Fashion Show last Saturday at their clubhouse, hosting a sold-out crowd of members and guests that numbered about 170.
It was a busy afternoon highlighted by a warm  welcome from President Rita Even then lunch, auctions and an impressive fashion show featuring original designs from Annie’s Scandal in Montrose modeled by LCWC women who strutted down the brightly lit runway.
“This is our big annual event with a fashion show and luncheon, live and silent auctions to raise money for local charities,” said Debra Cant, corresponding secretary, program co-chair and luncheon model. Part of the proceeds will also go toward upkeep of the facilities. “We’re working pretty hard on keeping up the clubhouse and renovating it. We’re celebrating our centennial in 2011,” Cant said.
She went on to explain that collecting items for the auctions begins nearly a year before the event. Over 80 local businesses this year donated for both the silent and live auctions.
The live auction included nine hand-crafted baskets filled with all kinds of goodies from several different local businesses. One of the baskets was full of tickets for Descanso Gardens, Bob Baker’s Marionette Theatre, the Festival of the Arts, Skirball Cultural Center, Pickwick Ice Center, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Guinness World Records, L.A. Zoo and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Local business owner Wendy Alane Smith won that prize.
The Woman’s Club encompasses three different sections that worked together on Saturday’s event, said Debbie Taylor, past president of the LCWC Juniors. “You have the Generals that put on the fashion show. The event chairman, Cindy Charles, is part of the Evening Section. The Junior Club, which I am past president of, worked the kitchen area. All of the sections – Generals, Juniors, and Evening – are required to participate in the fashion show.
“This is probably the best turn out I have seen for the fashion show. I think it was a spectacular effort by all who worked so hard.”

Taylor noted that Charles, who pulled together the American theme, and Ruth Warner, current president of the Juniors Section who oversaw the kitchen, invested many hours to ensure the success of Saturday’s event.
Serving lunch were student volunteers from St. James The Less Catholic School who made sure coffee cups were kept full.
With barely enough time to catch their breath, the Juniors are prepareing for another fundraiser in April.
“We have our portrait day on April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., our Spring Tea on May 8, and of course, our Breakfast with Santa in December,” Taylor said.
The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is located at 4004 La Crescenta Ave. and can be reached at (818) 957-9806.