Talk of the Town: Everybody’s raising money!

The Green Valley Elks Auxiliary hosted its annual fashion show and fundraiser at the Elks lodge on March 2. Chair Sylvia Wilson with co-chairs Susan Flemming and Carol Sturdevant worked to ensure every detail was in place, so the 400-plus attendees had a wonderful time.

Dillard’s was the featured fashion house for the second consecutive year, and was represented by Mary Beth Hagedon and assisted by auxiliary member and model coordinator, Natalie Weitkunat.

Both women and men modeled clothing and those featured were: Deborah Berntzen, Diane Bissell, Betty Burroughs, Lynn Cheney, Dee Garrett, BB Haywood, Donna Method, Loretta Potenzieri, Katherine Schuetz, Carol Sturdevant, Ginger Wait, Carol White, Brian Berntzen, Mario Potenzieri and Al Rodriquez.

Some of the more ‘fabulous’ raffle prizes included: a one night stay at El Splendor Resort with golf for four; two nights at the Amado Territory Inn, and a ‘Sunset Tour’ of the Tucson area donated by Wright Flight, in total more than 40 raffle prizes donated by generous merchants. Lodge decorations were handled by Jo Runstrom, Carol Perry and Carol Hinterthuer; ticket sales by Susan Trecartin and Cathy Travis; raffle tickets by Chris Meckel and Jan Schade; photography by Susan Trecartin and Marian Dietrich; program design by Betty Austin and model assistants were Tom Bright and Roger Wilson.

The motto of “Elks Care, Elks Share” is a constant reminder of why the hard work is worth the effort! The fashion show and luncheon is the largest fundraising activity for the auxiliary and proceeds are used to continue to “make a difference” in our Green Valley community through outreach to local non-profits which include, but are not limited to: Green Valley Assistance Services, Green Valley Food Bank, Friends in Deed, Del Coronado Christmas Project, and Casa de Esperanza.

Funding also is given to Continental and Sahaurita school districts through awards and scholarship presentations as well as support of Lodge Youth Activities such as drug awareness. The auxiliary is also proud to support Arizona Elks Major Projects: The Steele Memorial Children’s Research Center at University Medical Center and the Elks Youth Camp outside of Globe.