Soroptimist International of Lake Forest will hold its annual Bras for a Cause gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Its primary fundraiser, the group hopes the gala will raise $40,000 – “even in the difficult economy.”
“One hundred percent of the food and beverages is donated by local businesses as well as all auction and raffle items. By conservative estimates, our community has donated $55,000 in product or services for this event. We really have a most impressive community!” said volunteer Candice Lopez.
This year’s theme is “Bras Go Hollywood.” Decorated bras are submitted by community members, businesses and organizations. Gala guests will be the judges and pick the best bras – for a cause, of course. Categories include: Best Supporting Theme; Funniest; Most Creative; Prettiest; and Men’s Choice (only the men vote.)
The Lake Forest Soroptimist club, which is made up of 33 professional women working to improve the lives of women and girls in Saddleback area, started 33 years ago, while the original Soroptimist club started in Oakland in 1921.
“We provide assistance to women and girls herein our community,” Lopez said. “Our primary focus is scholarships. One scholarship is given to a teenage girl between 14-18 who exemplifies volunteerism. Another larger scholarship is given to a female head of household who is improving her life and that of her family through education. And lastly, we recognize a women or organization that has enhanced the life of women in her community.”
“In addition to our local work with women and girls, as well as helping other service charities such as Breast Cancer Solutions,” Lopez continued, “we assist on international projects such as combating human trafficking. Impossible to imagine, but yes, it happens here in our own community.”
Tickets to the Bras for a Cause gala are $55 or two or more tickets are $50 each. The evening includes food and drinks, silent and live auctions and other fun. For information about the gala, call Lopez at 949-233-0865.
For information on Soroptimist International, which has about 100,000 members worldwide, visit www.soroptimist.org.
Contact the writer: 949-454-7355 or ffreeman@ocregister.com
