NIGHT AT THE RACES A RUNAWAY SUCCESS!
The Night at the Races on October 21, 2023, kicked off the 100th year of Soroptimist International of Long Beach.
On October 21, the Finishing Line Private Room at Los Alamitos Race Course was decked out in burgundy and black, walls covered with silhouettes of guys and dolls and filled with over 130 special guests. The room sparkled with folks dressed in sequins and fringe – spats and fedoras. All were jazzed and ready to enjoy an evening of horse racing to bring in a significant amount of “dough” to fund educational opportunities for women and girls in Long Beach.
Margo Wheeler, co-president of SILB, reined in the crowd, and Jaye Johnson assisted with the Live Auction. Auction items included passes on the Goodyear blimp, an opportunity to have your picture taken with the winner of the Soroptimist Race of the evening, and a backstretch tour of Santa Anita Park.
New flapper-attired member Dayna Nickel
welcomed the Party-goers.
Lola Abrahamian, Governor of the Camino Real Region of Soroptimists, and Janice Kurihara, District 4 Director, joined Co-Presidents, Victoria Wang and Margo Wheeler for jazzy fun.
Left to Right: Lola Abrahamian, Margo Wheeler, Janice Kurihara and Victoria Wang
Above: Before the first race, party-goers trotted over to the Silent Auction to bid on lots of fun items, including a visit to the famous Magic Castle, a year of Polly’s Pies, a Lather Pamper party, professional dance lessons from B&N Dance Studio, Rams tickets, artwork by Donna Skinner, and golf fitness training by David Rutkoski.
Left: Special centerpieces were designed by member Alison Reid to reflect the importance of drought-tolerant, sustainable plants.
Above: Jacqué Farris, Margo Wheeler, Jaye Johnson & Jane Benson
Right: Margo Wheeler, Sally Lane and Judy Murphy
Diane DeWalsche chaired the event, and over $22,000 was raised for educational scholarships and projects for women and girls. A great start to our 100th year!
Thanks a Million to our Sponsors and Donors!
