Compiled By Andrea Swayne
Las Buenas Amigas, a Dana Point-based volunteer philanthropic organization, hosted 102 members and guests at their annual Patroness Luncheon and Fashion Show at Talega Golf Club in San Clemente on June 22, to honor LBA members and raise funds for area charities and causes.
The event was chaired by Ann St. Martin (Laguna Niguel) and co-chaired by Daneen Pysz (Dana Point). Among the member honorees at the “Endless Summer” gathering were, from Dana Point, June Bauer, Susan Chotkevys, Beverly Hunsaker and Dori Schwarz; from San Juan Capistrano, Angela Brandolino, Virginia Peckham and Nancy B. Smith; Donna Combe of San Clemente; and from Laguna Niguel, Carol Clisby and St. Martin.
After lunch, LBA members Mary Lou Fisher (San Clemente), Jan Hammel (San Juan Capistrano), Betty Prock (Dana Point), Combe, Pysz and Smith modeled fashions from the San Juan Capistrano Chico’s, store and opportunity drawing winners were announced and presented with prizes of gift baskets donated by local merchants and assembled by members.
“It’s always a pleasure to raise funds for the youth and elderly of our surrounding communities,” said Prock, LBA secretary, adding that the half-day event took in a total of $4,300.
Funds raised at the event will be donated to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group to assist in funding youth programs for the children of Camp Pendleton Marine families and the Rehabilitation Institute of Orange County (RIO) in San Clemente, an organization that provides community-based adult services for the elderly in south Orange County.
LBA was founded 47 years ago by Mrs. Ron Birtcher and a group of friends who wished to give back to their local communities. The local chapter has continued to do that through their numerous fundraising activities. Each year their Funding Research Committee nominates local organizations who provide services to both the elderly and youth in the immediate area. Those funds are distributed annually at LBA’s Christmas Luncheon and Boutique scheduled this year for Dec. 14 at the San Juan Hills Country Club.
For additional information please contact Gini Sherwood, membership vice president, at 949.493.2125, or Joyce Easton, president, at 714.785.7854.
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