The Soroptimist International of San Diego presented Striving for the Stars on March 7 at the Sheraton Harbor Island Marina Tower. This spring awards luncheon and fashion show began with fun boutique shopping. Guests arrived early to do some serious shopping with clothing boutiques, accessories such as jewelry and handbags, and gift items. A portion of the sales went back to the Soroptimist. The mistress of ceremonies was NBC San Diego news reporter Rory Devine and TV personality Geni Cavitt. They gave out the awards to the Live Your Dream Honorees. They honored nine mothers who were overcoming major obstacles through education. Each one of the honorees brought their children on the stage and talked about the difficulties they had faced and what school they are now going to for their education. They were Leticia Chavez, Aleydis Diaz, Phantasia Faulk, Gabriela Gutierrez, Saltanat Kali, Sylvia Knorr, Marie, Snwr Majeed, and Lindsey Var. Each one received cash awards to help them with their education. San Diego Futures Foundation donated laptops and new printers to all the recipients.
Live Your Dream Awards gives resources that these women need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Some of them have been teenage mothers, had abusive relationships, or were foster youth. They are working on turning around life challenges and getting an education. Some of them are the first in the family to receive a degree.
Next on the agenda was the Raise the Paddle part of the event. Anna Couvrette was invited to the stage to be the auctioneer for this. She has become one of the youngest charity auctioneers in the United States. Incorporating her skills as a comedian and actor added to the excitement of the auction.
The last Raise your Paddle section was for the $50 level. Couvrette announces that the last one to bid would receive a stay at the Sheraton. This started a bidding war to be the last person making the offer and Couvrette kept the excitement going with her delightful sense of humor. The Striving for the Stars fashion show began after the luncheon. The runway was filled with nonstop entertainment such as fashions, dance, and music. Gretchen Productions who has been giving audiences high-energy shows for the last 40 years produced this engaging show. Fashions were provided by Macy’s Fashion Valley and local boutiques such as Satori Designs, Shaneh Boutique, Glamour Girlz, and Moda Lucido, The Soroptimist of San Diego gives education and training to women and girls who need economic empowerment. The proceeds of the event go to the “Live Your Dream Awards.” For more information about Soroptimist, visit soroptimist.org. UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, March 28 – Fashion with a Passion- 2020 Brunch from 10 a.m.-noon at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Located at 350 Tenth Ave. #300, this event benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tuesday, March 31 – Globe Guilder’s Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. All proceeds benefit The Old Globe. For information, call 858-382-1672.
  Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in San Diego. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.