By Ruth SOWBY

For 23 years Soroptimist International of Glendale has presented its signature event of the year, Bras For A Cause. This year’s celebration was themed An Evening of Remarkable Women. Honored were community activist Miryam Orellana Finkelberg and Ascencia Executive Director Laura Duncan.  

Some 250 members and guests filled the ballroom of the Oakmont Country Club on Feb. 21. Many guests had already stepped out to view the more than 20 decorated bras on display in a nearby anteroom. La Crescenta resident Suzette Van Sleeuwen’s eye caught a light pink bra studded with pearls and rose buds.

It was created by Glendale resident Catherine Yesayan, who was present at the event.

A bra covered in succulents, As the Garden Grows, was “living art,” according to Los Angeles resident Cecelia Walker. All the bras were up for silent auction. Scattered among them were other silent auction items, such as theatre tickets. A favorite was the musical “Spamalot” at the Pantages in Hollywood.  

The program’s welcome was given by event chairs Carol Ann Burton and Debbie Hess-Wakeland. Greetings were offered by Soroptimist Glendale president Desiree Portillo-Rabinov followed with emcee duties by Portillo-Rabinov’s daughter Paloma Esparza Rabinov.  

Among the VIPs present were former Glendale mayor and Soroptimist past president Paula Devine. Additional former Glendale mayors on hand were Elen Asatryan and Dan Brotman. The highlight of the program was the honoree awards presented to Finkelberg and Duncan. Both were given standing ovations.  

Awards were then given in four categories for the decorated bras. Most beautiful was Under the C; most humorous was Cancer Sucks; most unique was As the Garden Grows. The Making Dreams Come True bra nabbed best Depiction of Theme. The bra cups were covered with head shots of the mothers of Soroptimist members. All contributions were considered “remarkable.”

Funds raised by Bras For A Cause were dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer. 

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.