Annual gingerbread contest slated

The Westlake Junior Women's Club will hold the 25th Annual Gingerbread Fundraising Boutique Fri. and Sat., Nov. 17 and 18 at St. Maximilian Church, 5801 Kanan Road, Westlake Village.

More than 35 artisans will display and sell handmade wares such as apparel, jewelry, home decor, children's items, bed/bath essentials and holiday decor.

Club members will also sell homemade baked goods, including pumpkin pie bars, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, carrot cake loafs and more.

The second annual Gingerbread House Competition will coincide with the boutique. The competition will be among lo

cal restaurants and hotels. All the houses will be on display for the public to view and will be available to purchase in a silent auction format.

Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities. The club has given $40,000 to 24 different local organizations, including Lighthouse Charities, Hospice of the Conejo, Homeless Conejo Winter Shelter, MANNA food bank, American Heart Association and Senior Concerns/Meals on Wheels.

Boutique hours will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., Nov. 17 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 18.

To become a vendor and/or for more information, call Leisa Schwartz at (818) 865-0401 or visit www.westlakejuniors.org.