The 13th Annual Hats Off Luncheon, presented by the Sheltering Sisters to benefit Shelter From The Storm, was a smashing success at the Miramonte Resort & Spa on Thursday, November 7. The event raised more than $35,000 for the region’s only shelter for victims of domestic violence – making it the most successful in the luncheon’s history. Proceeds nearly doubled over the previous year.
KESQ Chief Meteorologist, Ginger Jeffries, and KMIR Evening News Anchor, Elizabeth Beaubien, were co-hosts. Highlights included a silent auction as well as musical performances by Live It Up! Productions, showcasing a preview of the Broadway Revue that will be the featured entertainment at the Shelter’s 2nd Annual New Beginnings Gala on March 29, 2014 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Guests heard the very personal story of Cindy Burreson, who is the Sales Manager at Tommy Bahamas in Palm Desert. Cindy is a survivor of domestic violence, and told of a previous abusive relationship in her life that she was able to escape. She gave an emotional thank-you to her husband, Derek, who attended the luncheon with her, for always being by her side as a positive role model to their family. The luncheon wrapped up with the announcement of the Hat Contest Winners in three categories:
• GLAMOROUS: 1) Barbara Noujaim; 2) Rev. Patti Spicer; 3) Bonnie Gibson
• HUMOROUS: 1) Diane Dauner; 2) Silver Martin; 3) Dr. Audrey Reed
• OUTRAGEOUS 1) Maggie Little; 2) Olive Rand; 3) Sheila Kiner
Andrea Carter is Sheltering Sisters president. Other officers are Samantha Paixao, vice president; Kathleen Buys, Secretary; and Sanya Mulhern, Treasurer. At-large members are Dr. Nicole Ortiz, Deana Bohenek, Kathy Strong, Lori Jonasson, Leslie Locken, Lynn Moriarty and Robin Costello who chaired the Hats Off Luncheon.
