Westlake Women's Club lunch big success
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers PRETTY PACKAGES- Westlake Women's Club co-chairs Doris Rufener, left, and Helene Ross, both Westlake Village residents, prepare silent auction items for the Fashion Show and Luncheon fundraiser at the Westlake Hyatt Plaza on Friday.

More than 400 women filled the Westlake Hyatt lobby and grand ballroom last Friday to attend the Westlake Women's Club's 38th annual philanthropic luncheon and fashion show sponsored by The Oaks mall.

The event raised between $30,000 and $35,000, which will go to help charities in the Conejo Valley, co-chair Doris Rufener said.

Attendees had to buy their tickets early. Women of the Conejo Valley knew the longstanding fundraiser was something they didn't want to miss, and the charity event sold out six weeks in advance.

"I've been coming for 15 years because it's a fun woman thing," said Charlotte Casale of Thousand Oaks. "The lunch is always very good and I like to see the fashion show- especially that cute male model with the dark hair and blue eyes," whom, she said, has returned several times.

Casale wasn't alone in her admiration of that particular model. Every time he walked down the catwalk, shouts of "Woooo!" and other expressions of appreciation rang out.

"I told my husband about him last night and he asked if he could get a ticket and come with me," Casale said with a smile. "I told him, 'Sorry, it's sold out.'"

Men were not invited to attend the event. Proof of their planned absence could be found outside the hotel's restrooms: The signs read "Women" and "Women." The men's room had been temporarily taken over.

The models came in different ages and sizes- young and old, thin and plus sizes. All were attractive. The room was full of energy by the time the music began a little past 1 p.m. and the models started showing off the spring fashions.

The women had shown up at the affair beginning at 10 a.m., when complimentary champagne was flowing. Tables were filled with many of the items on sale for a silent auction. There was a donated stuffed animal named Dr. Kilbear, his eyes just pleading for someone to take him home. Beside him were rows and rows of tables with vacations, weekend getaways, golf opportunities, New West Symphony tickets and gift baskets with food, dishes, crystal and other goodies. Hair salons, restaurants, spas and photographers offered their services.

Walking through the silent auction tables was not something a claustrophobic person could easily do. I t was crowded with polite people who were gently but repeatedly saying, "Excuse me."

Buyers weren't bargain shopping. Most of the silent auction items were purchased by attendees willing to pay more than an item's listed value.

Bargains were, however, available in the lobby, which was filled with boutiques that offered pashminas, cashmere blankets, handbags, jewelry, sparkling belts, dresses, blouses, skirts and watches. The sound was thunderous as woman gleefully chatted with each other while shopping.

At noon, when the doors to the luncheon opened, the grand ballroom was filled with tables covered in white linen and decorated with large baskets filled with roses and other flowers provided by Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park. Those attending were given the opportunity to purchase the centerpiece at their table for $20.

Many door prizes and raffle prizes were given out during the luncheon as salad, salmon, chicken, vegetables and a chocolate dessert with strawberries and whipped cream were served.

"I just can't praise the hot e l and The Oaks people enough. The hotel did everything we asked of them and more," Rufener said.

Last year the money the group raised went to 48 nonprofits in the Conejo Valley that included libraries, hospice and scholarship donors, Rufener said.