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Assistance League |
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Teamwork Makes Dreams Work |
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Once a year the Long Beach CAMEO ladies invite about 1,000 of their best friends to enjoy an afternoon of great food, fashions, and fun to raise money for their mentoring program. On March 22, 2008 the theme of “Collage … A Celebration of the Arts!” saw the Long Beach Convention Center turned into an oasis of music, dance, sculpture, design, and art.
“The artistic theme for this year’s event highlighted all that art and the humanities brings to each of us in Long Beach,” explained Lorrie Hutton, Chairman of the 2008 Fashion Show. “With more than 1,000 guests attending, we filled the Convention Center ballroom with music and art, as well as some very unusual surprises.” For example, the fashion show included a group of 5 year old young ladies showing off some Lilly Pulitzer summer wear, and one of the models brought along a magnificent Afghan dog. The artistic flair carried into the Silent Auction room where nearly 500 scrumptious baskets were designed to invite the highest bidding ever. Items included theatrical tickets, table place settings, trips galore, sporting events, wine extravaganzas, children’s items, and more. The Live Auction was hosted by L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe and included such items as a brunch for 12 with First Lady Nancy Foster (who was in attendance), a spa day for 10 at Executive Fitness & Med Spa, a dinner with Keesal, Young and Logan Executive Chef William Hall, an LA Angels of Anaheim Suite for 22, trips to Chicago and Banff Springs Canada, a magnificent sculpture by renowned artist Daniel M. Oropeza, and the annual sale of a VIP Table for next year’s fashion show. This year’s Fashion Show was directed by Carin Holmenas and featured designs by Lourdes Chavez, Edwards-Lowell Furs, Lilly Pulitzer by Cabana, Anne Sheikh Fiber Art. Awards were presented to special CAMEO friends, Garry Myers of MHP Structural Engineers, and Judy Farrell of Formal Notice Tuxedos. Members of CAMEO, the professional women’s division of Assistance League of Long Beach, have been mentoring students for 20 years, initially beginning with local high school girls and Long Beach City College “re-entry” women. Now students also include high school boys, with about 40 students participating each year. The students are paired with a CAMEO member for 3 years and receive support in academics, cultural understanding and career goals. For example, students participate in paid summer internships with local Long Beach companies, SAT prep classes, receive computers upon graduation, and are eligible for academic scholarships.
Of greatest value for the young people is building relationships with professional women who can provide encouragement, leadership, and friendship during their schooling. The students are identified by their high school advisors during freshman year, and must apply and agree to participate regularly with programs. “It has been so rewarding to be part of a group that is building for the future of Long Beach,” explained Ginny Kennebeck, CAMEO Chairman. “There is no doubt that our professional women’s program is helping to strengthen these young people so that they will be the philanthropic and community leaders of tomorrow. And what joy to see this happen first hand!” For information about CAMEO, its mentoring program, becoming a summer internship partner, or next year’s fashion show, please call 562-627-5650.
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