Women's Club event a big success

TICKET DROP-Westlake Village resident Deborah Deeley drops tickets into the hopper for an opportunity to win a money bouquet at the 37th annual Westlake Women's Club spring fundraiser fashion show and luncheon at the Westlake Hyatt Plaza. Friday's event, co-hosted by The Oaks mall, honored New West Symphony and the Youth Education Program. More than 400 people filled the Hyatt Westlake Plaza ballroom last Friday for the 37th annual fashion show and luncheon sponsored by the Westlake Women's Club.

Organizers raised more than $25,000 to benefit local, regional and national charities.

The event has been held since the group was founded in 1968, raising thousands of dollars for such nonprofits as Operation Smile, Hospice of the Conejo, Meals on Wheels, Manna, Wellness Community and high school senior scholarships.

The New West Symphony and its Youth Music Education Programs were honored during the event with the club's Outstanding Community Organization Award for its music outreach to area youth. The club donated $4,000 to the organization for its programming.

More people attended this year's luncheon than in any year past, according to Ruth Diehl, an event organizer.

"We're very exhilarated. This was a very great success," Diehl said.

After dining on a gourmet lunch of chopped salad, basil roasted chicken and tiramisu, the attendees enjoyed a fashion show presented by The Oaks mall and featuring the latest spring styles.

Prior to the lunch, participants enjoyed live piano music and sipping on champagne while browsing through a boutique and silent auction items set up on long tables outside the ballroom. Baskets filled with gift items and gift certificates donated by members as well as local merchants were filled and wrapped by members themselves.

"Everybody works," Diehl said. "You have to for an event of this caliber."