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Soroptimist of Santa Paula recently held their annual fashion show. Above, models walked through the decorated tables showing the latest fashions. Photo by Don Johnson (Inset) Dr. Luis Villegas holds the youngest model, Amber Wineman, granddaughter of Peggy Kelly. Photo by Jane Lax

Holiday Diamond Jubilee Celebration/Fashion Show sparkles

December 02, 2005
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula TimesIt was sparkling when Soroptimist International of Santa Paula (SISP) held their Holiday Diamond Jubilee Celebration & Fashion Show at the Community Center, where hundreds of fashionistas and community supporters gathered for the fun that also included a Silent Action and luncheon. This year the fashion show doubled as special recognition of SISP's 75th anniversary, while also "Celebrating the Season and the Best for Women."The Community Center was turned into a holiday wonderland for the November 19 fashion show: each Soroptimist used their best china and silver, festive decorations and imaginative hostess skills to create a room full of beautiful and unique holiday tables that sparkled under an elegant fabric ceiling canopy. A variety of nutcracker soldiers stood guard throughout the room, courtesy of caterers Marie and Jim McCoy.The Silent Auction featured dozens of gifts and other treats, ranging from holiday baskets to decorative arts. An opportunity drawing for a sparkling diamond necklace - courtesy of Ventura-based Joseph's Fine Jewelry - carried a double reward: each ticket also allowed a photo with Santa - AKA former Chief Bob Gonzales - on his Harley Davidson.Future Farmers of America members, dressed in their signature uniforms, served the lunch to the crowd that included Mayor Mary Ann Krause, Supervisor Kathy Long, Soroptimist International Camino Real Region Governor Brook Stephens and District 4 Director Cheri Fleming."For those of you that are unaware of what Soroptimist is all about, we are a volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world," said SISP President Peggy Higgins. There are about 93,000 SI members in more than 120 countries who "contribute their time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls."
SISP provides college scholarships for high school seniors and sponsors the Women of Opportunity Award scholarship for the primary household wage earner who must enter or return to the work force. "Your contributions today help support the Violet Richardson award for a young woman who makes the community and world a better place through her volunteer efforts," said Higgins.SISP has also launched a Workplace Campaign to end domestic violence. "We make many other contributions to the community through this and other fundraisers, and your support is so important," added Higgins.Peggy Kelly moderated the show that featured everyday casual to elegant night-out-on-the-town fashions from Catherine's Plus Sizes, Fillmore-based Heiress Boutique and fashion show favorite Mirage, Macy's, Drapers & Damon's and Weekenders. Santa Paula-based City Trendz, Kmart and Black Tie Formal Wear - the latter providing the tuxedos worn by handsome escorts Arthur Kroon, Dr. Luis Villegas, Gregory Cornejo and Gary Metelak - also had clothing featured in the show.The fashion providers showed they had the right stuff for the holidays and beyond, as worn by models Karen Araiza, Richard Arellano, JoAnn Banman, Shanelle Cabral, Diane Ellis, Mary Gabriels, Maggie Garcia, Carson Gray, Elaine Hunt, Josie Martinez, Tilly Ontiveros, Martha Ramirez, Becky Walkup-Eaton, Anthony Araiza, Nicole Arellano, Cathy Barringer, Jessica Chessani, Christina Davis, Cheryl Fairbanks, Paige Gallegos, Jennifer Garcia, Nita Hill, Anita Lemos, Margaret Nesbitt, Katie Ramirez, Sidnee Viramontes and Amber Wineman.