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Santa was having a jolly time at the December 6 Soroptimist International of Santa Paula “Tea Party” where many SISP gave their table decorations, such as the Christmas Poppers on the table, a British theme. |
High tea and hi-jinks enjoyed at
annual Holiday Fashion Show
December 17, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Soroptimist International of Santa Paula took a hint from their British counterparts and served a traditional high tea for their Holiday Fashion Show where the “upper crust” was represented by an array of delicious sandwiches... and a few fully costumed guests.
Equally tasty and a bit of fun were the hi-jinks of the hat contest won by Cecilia Johnston of Ventura whose “Tea Party” chapeau was designed by Patty Kelly of Santa Paula, who was wearing as a topper another of her unique creations, a Christmas tree design.
“Patty does such great things,” said Johnston of the creator of her winning hat, “I love it!”
Several ladies who took part in the contest, such as Leslie Nichols and Mary Beth East, dressed the part of “to the manor born” with Victorian attire and wonderful hats that they peered out from under at the audience with fitting - and faux - arrogance.
Director Donna Nelson and the Isbell Middle School Condor Chorus sang and entertained with holiday tunes enjoyed by all at the celebration held December 6 at the Community Center.
One of Ventura County’s most unique celebrations, the annual SISP Holiday Fashion Show features tables decorated by each member and supporters to the holiday - and this year to highlight that spot of tea and refreshments - theme, culling table settings and accessories from their own collections. City Councilwomen Jenny Crosswhite and Ginger Gherardi attended the celebration; Gherardi, a SISP supporter, also decorated a table.
SISP President Heidi Juarez said the mission of the professional woman’s organization is “To improve the lives of women and girls,” at home and around the world.
The Santa Paula chapter was founded in 1931, just 10 years after the first Soroptimists, a group of Oakland women, decided to start an organization for professional women.
The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin “soror” meaning sister, and “optima” meaning best.
Now, with more than 3,000 clubs in 1,200 countries and a seat at the United Nations, Soroptimist remains, said Juarez, “Best for women,” in every sphere of their lives.
And from awarding grants and scholarships to local students with an interest in community and women needing to sharpen their career skills to reenter the workplace or garner a promotion, to sponsoring the Smart Girls program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley, SIPS is dedicated to a better society for all.
The Holiday Fashion Show, noted Juarez, is one of two major SISP fundraisers, the other being the annual LUNAFEST featuring short films by women for women.
When it came time for the fashions the clothing modeled from Macy’s in Ventura and Kmart in Santa Paula delighted the audience, as did the models and their escorts, Carlos Juarez and Mayor John Procter.
It was found to be fortuitous that Procter was escorting particularly one model to the stage to emcee Peggy Kelly who noted Olivia Newton “and John... we’ll never have the chance to say that again!”
A special fashion guest was 14-year-old Brianna Baggs of Ventura, a recent winning contestant on an episode of the Lifetime Channel’s “Project Runway Threads” who creates and “repurposes” clothing.
Modeling clothing for the younger set and those still young at heart were Daisy Arellano, David Arellano, Cole Newton, Janine Carrillo, Jacqueline Ochoa, Olivia Newton, Rosa Garcia, Jeannine Castillo, Jimenna Ochoa, Peggy Russell and Amber Wineman. Hope Arellano was again coordinator of the models and their fashions.
Santa Paula Police Department Explorers helped with the raffle of the numerous prizes and the Isbell Middle School students earning money for the Washington, D.C. History Tour served the luncheon catered by Tranquility Baking Co. & Tea Room.
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Cecilia Johnston of Ventura won the Hat Contest at the SISP Fashion Show whose “Tea Party” chapeau was designed by Patty Kelly of Santa Paula. |
