Sun Lakes and SunBird residents will model fashions at the Oct. 22 fundraising event for kids. Pictured from left are Tricia Mauller, Linda Ostrander, and Judy Wilson.
Sarah Auffret
Ten new members of Assistance League of East Valley, many of whom are Sun Lakes and SunBird residents, will model clothing at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a fashion show and luncheon, at noon on Oct. 22, at SunBird Golf Resort, 6240 S. SunBird Avenue in Chandler. The fundraiser will help the organization provide new clothing for over 7,000 needy elementary school children.
Enthusiasm for joining Assistance League of East Valley has grown in the Robson communities as friends share their enjoyment in being part of the friendly volunteer group. Members have a good time as they pitch in at the upscale thrift shop, distribute goods to children and assault victims, and provide scholarships for college students.
“I really enjoy everything about it—the camaraderie of the volunteers, the customers at the shop, and we have such a good time,” says Linda Ostrander of Sun Lakes, who joined in March. “The shop itself is great. Not that many people know about it, but we’re getting more customers all the time.”
Judy Wilson of Sun Lakes, who also joined in March, says volunteering at the shop is an opportunity for her to give back to the community and to “keep busy.” Wilson likes working in the housewares section, preparing donated items for sale.
Jan Engdahl of SunBird, also a new member who is helping coordinate the fashion show, says the Tea Party will be a casual, fun event with a silent auction, raffle, and prizes for attendees who wear the best hats. Fashions are from JudyWear Boutique in Sun Lakes.
Auction items will include Gammage and Phoenix Suns tickets, a Camp Verde bunkhouse stay, Southwest Airlines gift card, décor items, and designer purse and hat.
Tickets for the event are $50 and are available at the Thrift Shop, 2326 N. Alma School Road in Chandler, or on the website, assistanceleagueeastvalley.org. The shop is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations close Oct. 17.
Assistance League of East Valley provided clothing and supplies for over 7,300 elementary school children this year, in addition to supplying 338 homeless teens in Gilbert and Chandler with clothing, shoes, hygiene items, food, bus passes, and academic support. Volunteers delivered over 3,800 assault survivor kits to local agencies, and they awarded 14 college scholarships this year.