Smiles abound at guild luncheon

There were smiles all around the Sheraton Universal Grand Ballroom Saturday as members and guests of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild enjoyed a fundraising luncheon and fashion show.

With the theme "Laughter is the Best Medicine," the event began with a boutique of jewelry and other glittering accessories.

Welcoming the crowd were Terry Campbell, guild president, and Julie McArdle, spring event director. Sister Rose Byrne of the Sisters of Providence Order gave the invocation.

The event marked the guild's 60th anniversary and Campbell told the audience there was a lot to celebrate. Over the years, the guild's projects have included raising funds for equipment for the Gastroenterology Lab, the building of the new Emergency and Cardiac Care facilities, the Pediatric After Hours Referral Clinic and for a Brachytherapy device for the Radiation Oncology Department.

The guild is now working toward a $1-million pledge to the Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center. It will serve residents of the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys, she said.

Following a scrumptious lunch of tomato basil soup en croute, breast of chicken picatta and candy-glazed taco filled with fresh berries and whipped cream, Lucinda Mead of Couture Productions produced a fashion show of smashing daywear and bejeweled gowns from the collections of James Reva and Sue Wong. Handbags by Judith Leiber and jewelry by Altobelli Jewelers also sparkled from the runway.

A segment of menswear featured several celebrity models who are members of the medical center's staff, Dr. Marc Botnick, Dr. Boyd Flinders, Dr. Rex Hoffman, Dr. Stephen McNeese, Dr. Raul Mena and Dr. Augusto Silva.

The handsome group elicited ear-shattering cheers from the admiring audience.

Grand-prize winner Alice Beckler took home $10,000.

In honor of the guild's 60th anniversary, Altobelli Jewelers donated five pieces of diamond jewelry for a winners choice drawing. Guest Kathy Villarreal and member Maria Balke chose diamond necklaces and member Audrey Gillespie decided on a diamond bracelet.

Cash winners were Gemma Burg ($1,000), niece of member Jo Massimini; Kathy Conte ($500) and Audrey Gillespie ($500).

Longtime supporters attending the event were Tom and Wanda Bistagne of Glendale and Gerri Dickinson of Burbank.