June 25--Officer's Club, Pendleton Marine Base: You have been to fashion shows, I am sure, but I doubt you've seen many amateur productions as well executed as this one! The Soroptimist Club women worked hard to make this the "must attend" event of the season!
The Soroptimists are a service organization dedicated to bettering the lives of women and children around the world. They prove that small groups of women, banded together, can achieve BIG results!
Before the fashion show, three women were honored for their contribution to a better world. First was Melanie Bernhardt who has become a renowned dog rescuer and trainer for assist- dogs for the disabled. This may not seem too impressive until you meet Melanie in person. She is confined to a wheelchair and has very limited mobility. Her great wit and sense of life had us all laughing and cheering her on. To date she has rescued, trained and placed 25 dogs.
Next was Theresia Heyden who has just recently returned from Afghanistan where she set up a school for over 2000 young girls near the border with Pakistan. Before this last election in Afghanistan, the Taliban tried to get past her to find out who on her staff had signed up to vote. She refused them entrance because she knew there could be bloodshed. In the process they broke the toes on both of her feet but she still refused to let them in. What is even more extraordinary is that this beautiful, strong woman is 81 years old! And she is returning to Afghanistan soon to continue with her work!
The final honoree was Luawanna Hallstrom who is known through out the state for her work on immigration and farm issues as well as education, environment, health and human rights. She serves on multiple commissions and travels through out the world with her message of economic stability through immigration and social reform to create secure borders--a very hot topic right now!
Congratulations to these three wonderful women, you are each a true inspiration to all of us!
After lunch the Fashion Voyage set sail with spirited music and beautiful fashions. The models danced through special routines set on a tall stage so everyone got an "eye full" of each presentation! CLAUD!A JEAN had the great fortune to be the first store featured with the song "Sea Cruise." I was proud of how the girls looked and we received may compliments on our fashions!
Other local boutiques followed as well as Chico's. We may be small but we held our own in a world of beautiful products! Susan and I also did a pretty good job of creating buzz about the Magic Pant, you can be sure!
The silent auction was well received so that there will be more money to give to great causes. I cannot recommend the Soroptimists more highly as a group of WONDERFUL women who really do make a difference and have a great deal of fun doing it!
Belong to the Red Hatters for you! (see the next article)
Belong to the Soroptimists for the world! see www.soroptimist.org or www.sioceanside.org
Not a bad balance!
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