NCL Capistrano Coast Raises $58,000 at Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser

The Capistrano Coast Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) held its 15th annual Fashion Show fundraiser on March 8th at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point.

The elegant luncheon raised $58,000, the most funds raised in the history of the chapter’s event, through community donations and sales of silent auction and raffle drawing tickets. The proceeds from the fundraiser help provide funds for the 30 philanthropies the chapter supports such as after-school programs, U.S. military support, food banks, and senior citizen activities. Funds raised from the event are also earmarked for college scholarships, given each spring to graduating seniors in need from our community.

The NCL Class of 2018 hosted the event led by co-chairs Lana Erlanson, Wendy Siu, and Kelly Swartzbaugh. Attendees at the sold-out event included over 400 NCL members, families, and friends in addition to representatives from several of the philanthropies supported by the NCL chapter.

The Fashion Show theme was “The World Is My Oyster and I Am The Pearl”. The use of beautiful ocean-inspired colors and textures, including pearls, seashells and succulent-filled antique punchbowl centerpieces, put everyone in a cheerful mood to enjoy the latest fashions and do some spring shopping. Kelly Rivard from Mather Dance Company opened the show with a beautiful dance performance.

17 NCL Ticktockers from the Class of 2016, all from local surrounding high schools, were featured as they modeled spring fashions from Blue Eyed Girl in San Juan Capistrano, Camellia Boutique in Dana Point, Daisy Shoppe in Mission Viejo, LF Laguna in Laguna Beach, Macy’s in Mission Viejo, Friar Tux in Laguna Niguel and Elizabeth Dane Jewelry in San Juan Capistrano. Eight male students from various high schools also modeled during the show. The NCL models spent hours of rehearsal time with professional Fashion Show Producer, Pat Perkowski with Fashion Forward Productions, to deliver a flawless fashion show.

This year’s grand prize vacation raffle drawing was a huge success and was won by NCL Capistrano Coast member, Debby Verde. The grand prize was a luxurious vacation raffle that offered the choice of one of four spectacular trip destinations to Napa Valley, Costa Rica, New York City and Whistler in British Columbia, Canada. Each vacation included accommodations and airfare.

Our $2,500 Tahitian Pearl Sponsors were Ira Hermann and Largo Concrete. Simple Elegance by Lisa Marie generously donated a beautiful $500 Keishi freshwater pearl jewelry set to go with a $500 Nordstrom’s gift card for our Champagne & Pearls Raffle. Many other local businesses donated items for over 190 spectacular silent auction baskets. Countless hours were dedicated by NCL Capistrano Coast Chapter members including securing sponsorships, soliciting donations, and offering behind-the-scenes support for this annual fundraiser.

National Charity League, Inc. is a mother/daughter organization dedicated to serving local philanthropies while fostering the mother/daughter relationship. Mothers and daughters commit to a six-year program, from 7th to 12th grade, centered on community service. The members participate in philanthropic work, educational activities, leadership development, and cultural enrichment.

The Capistrano Coast Chapter of NCL supports 30 charitable organizations throughout our community, including FAM, Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, Orange County Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House of Orange County, Women Helping Women, and U.S. Military Support-Operation Interdependence. The Capistrano Coast Chapter of NCL was honored as the Most Outstanding Chapter by its national organization in 2010. The Capistrano Coast Chapter of NCL represents the areas of San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch and Mission Viejo. For more information, www.nclcapistranocoast.org.