The Woman's Thursday Club members celebrate another successful Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show. From left are Terrie O'Donnell, Trude Vasquez, Ann Snyder, Kathy Steuber, Carol Buck, Linda Poya, Judy Faught, Laurie Parker, Sheba Jackson, Kathy Poe and Pat Neufeld.

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The Woman’s Thursday Club of Fair Oaks hosted its sold-out annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show at North Ridge Country Club on April 18.

The gala has been going strong for more than 50 years and is one of the most anticipated local fundraisers and social occasions of the year.

Thanks to the generosity of club members, 14 area high school students from six schools will receive $1,200 in scholarships to help them through college in the 2024/2025 school year.

 Janice Ahrens-Porter models a casual outfit. Chicos and White House Black Market provided the clothes. 

“We are passionate about supporting education and seeing students succeed, especially since many of our members are retired educators,” said Woman’s Thursday Club President Terrie O’Donnell. “The fashion show is a huge draw that everyone rallies around each year.”

The eligible students were invited to apply for the scholarships in early April. The Woman’s Thursday Club’s scholarship committee, led by Joyce Daniels, made the final selection just days prior to the luncheon.

“As moms, aunts and grandmothers, we understand the value of education and how the scholarships can help ease the high cost of college after high school,” Daniels said. “We spend a lot of time reviewing each application and determining which students are awarded scholarships. Learning about their goals gives us hope for the future.”

 Luann Hollis provided the music.

In addition to ticket sales, raffle proceeds are a significant portion of the club’s fundraising efforts.

With more than 100 raffle prizes up for grabs, many of the fashion show attendees did not leave the event empty-handed. In a separate drawing, one lucky club member won a $500 bed and breakfast gift certificate donated by Ships and Trips Travel in Fair Oaks.

Travel agency owner and Woman’s Thursday Club member Trude Vasquez chaired the luncheon and fashion show with co-chair Judy Faught.

“The fashion show is a huge undertaking and requires many volunteers to make it happen,” Vasquez said. “We set the theme in October, and from there, the committees go to work.”

Vasquez has chaired the fundraiser for 10 years and enjoys watching the women come together to support the event in a variety of creative ways.

 Raffle gift basket hopefuls included L to R: Beth Geraghty, Dawn Kinser, Bonnie Robbins.

This year’s theme, Bee… Your Best!, was emphasized throughout the day in speaker presentations, ballroom and table decorations, and raffle prizes. Many attendees and volunteer helpers showed up wearing bee-themed attire and accessories.

“Our members love to get into the spirit of the theme,” said Marty Holmes, fashion house and model coordinator. “From the clothes to the food, to the venue, everyone has a good time!”

Holmes had support from her co-chair Mary Mussell. For the fashion show, Holmes chose two fashion houses located at the Palladio in Folsom. White House/Black Market and Chicos supplied the models (all Woman’s Thursday Club members and volunteers) with three different outfits to wear in the show.

“The women have fun on the runway modeling their clothes. The crowd gets into it, too, by clapping and encouraging them,” Holmes said.

This year’s models were Janice Ahrens-Porter, Patty Case, Angi Ferencz, Lisa Garcia, Marilyn Pearce and Shirley Tallchief. Their escorts were Bud Beebe and Don Neufield.

The club’s 2025 annual Luncheon and Fashion Show is scheduled for April 17.

 Claudia Thorn and Diana Cralle enjoy a moment together while checking out the raffle baskets.