Sun Lakes residents who will be modeling fashions from JudyWear Boutique at the Assistance League Fashion Show and Luncheon on Oct. 24 are (left to right) Glenda Williamson, Mary Louise Lansbarkis, and Katie Seavers.
Sarah Auffret
An organization of volunteers that managed to help thousands of East Valley school children this year, despite the pandemic, is gearing up to celebrate this achievement at a fashion show and luncheon at noon on Oct. 24 at the Holiday Inn in Chandler, 1200 W. Ocotillo Road.
Members of Assistance League of East Valley, many of whom are Sun Lakes residents, will model clothing at the event, which is billed as a Friends and Fashion event. The group hopes others from the community will join them to learn more about the organization and consider joining their efforts.
“Looking back at all we’ve been through this year and all the wonderful things we’ve still been able to accomplish, we want this to be a fun, casual event with a spirit of celebration,” says Marsha Calhoun, chairperson for the event. “We support so many different areas and have so many diverse projects we’re passionate about, that there’s something for everyone in this group.”
Assistance League of East Valley provided clothing and supplies for over 9,000 elementary school children this year, in addition to supplying 575 homeless teens in Gilbert and Chandler with clothing, shoes, hygiene items, food, bus passes, and academic support. Volunteers delivered over 5,000 assault survivor kits to local agencies and currently are providing regular social events for adult daycare centers that include The Perfect Place in Sun Lakes. They awarded 13 college scholarships this year.
With the help of a county grant, the group was able to achieve all this, despite having to close their Thrift Shop for part of the year and limit its hours of operation. The Assistance League Thrift Shop, at 2326 N. Alma School Road in Chandler, is now open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fashions at the gala event will be from JudyWear Boutique in Sun Lakes. Residents of Sun Lakes who will be modeling include Mary Louise Lansbarkis, Sue Niesz, Katie Severs, Marcia Turner, and Glenda Williamson.
A silent auction will include jewelry, golf and goat yoga packages, tickets for the Phoenix Suns and a Gammage theater production, and certificates for specialty floral items and DJ services. Artist Gina Waldo will provide “hair tinseling” for attendees at the event.
Tickets for the event are $50 and are available at the Thrift Shop or on the website, www.assistanceleagueeastvalley.org.