FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Lights! Camera! Fashion!!! That was the theme at the 2023 annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show put on by the Woman’s Thursday Club (WTC) of Fair Oaks. The sold-out gala—where bling was the thing this year—was held on April 20 at North Ridge Country Club.

More than 250 WTC members and guests showed up dressed to impress and to have a good time. The fashion show is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year and has been an anticipated annual charity and social occasion for women in the community for several decades. Proceeds through ticket sales provide local high school seniors with scholarships to help them get to college.

“The number of students we can support depends on the success of the fashion show,” remarks WTC President Terrie O’Donnell. “Last year we were lucky to fill 17 tables. This year we sold out all 25 tables making it possible to grant up to 14 high school students with $1,200 scholarships for the 2023/2024 school year.” The recipients will be honored at a special dinner celebration on May 11.

In addition to ticket sales, raffle proceeds are a significant portion of the group’s fundraising efforts, and this year’s raffle did not disappoint! With more than 140 raffle prizes up for grabs, many ladies did not leave empty-handed. Members raised $5,700 through the raffle alone. Most of the items donated came from individuals and the club’s social groups (i.e., gardening, books, crafts, games, etc.)

“Raffle proceeds typically average about $5,000,” explains Phyllis Williams, WTC raffle prize coordinator. “The amount raised in 2022 was a bit lower, but this year we were excited to see participation and donation levels back up to pre-covid amounts.”

In a separate and final raffle of the day, one lucky attendee won a $400 bed and breakfast gift certificate donated by Ships and Trips Travel in Fair Oaks, which brought in an additional $1,255 toward scholarship funds.

Travel agency owner and WTC member, Trude Vasquez, co-chaired the fashion show with member Judy Faught. “Our theme was set in early October at the first kick-off meeting,” shares Trude. “We wanted to imply bling—what one would wear to an opening of a new movie surrounded by stars and paparazzi. From there, our sub-committees jumped into action.”

Overall, about 50 WTC volunteers worked long hours behind the scenes to help pull it all together.

The Firehouse Boutique, owned by Diana Appel in historic Folsom, supplied the models with outfits. “We always try to use a local shop and each year it’s someone new,” says Marty Holmes, WTC fashion house and model coordinator.

The models, all club members and volunteers, included Patty Rock, Karen Scott, Alice Rowe, Ingeborg Carpenter, and Dawn Abatemarco. Each woman presented three different outfits from casual to dressy.

“I really enjoy interacting with the shop and the models,” says Marty. “It’s fun to see the enjoyment each lady has picking out clothes and sharing them in front of other members. Everyone has such a good time!”

As Trude expresses, “The volunteers are incredibly brilliant in what they know and what they consistently contribute to the club and to events. Each woman brings her own skill and talent to the table. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year!”

(Ladies take note… the 2024 program is set for April 18.)

The Woman’s Thursday Club of Fair Oaks was established in 1902 and continues to be a charitable mainstay in the community today. Although the annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show is their biggest fundraising event of the year, the group is involved in many other philanthropic projects in the community.