Whether ready to try your luck at bingo or longing for the fashions of spring, upcoming events have something for everyone.

By Sabrina SHELTON

Back in February, CV Weekly highlighted various bingo fundraisers in the area. For those who could not attend and support some of the community’s non-profit organizations, there is still hope. The American Legion Post 288 is holding its annual bingo event on Saturday, March 14.

“We started the bingo event about eight years ago,” recalled Mike Baldwin, post adjutant. “We tried doing a 50-50, but this is the best way to raise money for the youth [in the area].”

The American Legion follows four pillars of service and responsibility, and youth and children is one of those pillars. Throughout the year, Legion members raise money to donate to local youth organizations like the Boy and Girl Scouts, Prom Plus, the Fire House Youth Center, and various academic clubs.

As with many non-profits, the holiday season is usually the most important time to fundraise.

“We first look for a veteran who needs help from a family … then look to the local students to see who needs extra help,” Baldwin said. But just because it is March doesn’t mean that Legion members are sitting back on their laurels. “[Bingo] is a fun way to raise money for the youth and it fulfills [the Legion’s] obligation to serving the youth and children.”

Last year, the Legion gave away around $3,500 to local youth organizations. Not all of it was raised at the bingo event, but this year’s game looks to be bigger than previous ones. There will be over $1,500 in prizes that were donated by community sponsors. For $20, players will get 10 bingo cards with four games per card, so the odds of winning are favorable.

Doors open on Saturday, March 14 at 5 p.m. with the first game starting at 6 p.m. American Legion Post 288 is located at 4011 La Crescenta Ave.

For those who want to help local youth, but crave a touch more glamour, the La Crescenta Woman’s Club is hosting its annual luncheon and fashion show on March 21 at the local clubhouse.

“Planting the Seeds of Spring” will feature Fashions by Magnolia Boutique in Arcadia. A catered lunch will be offered by Gourmet a go go that includes a yummy dessert.

“It’s a calorie-free flourless chocolate dessert,” promised luncheon planner Emma Lestina.

Ticketholders can enjoy mimosas in the morning while perusing a wide selection of opportunity baskets.

Tickets are $40 and reservations are a must.

“After all,” said Lestina, “We want to make sure to have enough dessert for everyone.”

Questions and reservations can be directed to Emma Lestina at (818) 232-1896 or email info@lacrescentawomansclub.org.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit youth programs, scholarships and the club’s philanthropic programs.

Fashion fun continues in April when L’aureole of Glendale hosts its 28th annual Perennial Rose Luncheon & Fashion Show on April 4 at Oakmont Country Club.

“L’aureole of Glendale is a charitable organization founded in 1967 with a history of investment in the Glendale, La Crescenta, La Cañada and Montrose area,” said Marlin Gálvez, co-chair of the luncheon and fashion show. “They are a group of ladies dedicated to service and cooperate in the community to aid the youth projects of the Glendale Salvation Army.”

This event is held to fund the Salvation Army’s Zone after-school program in South Glendale. In operation since 2004, it offers tutoring, literacy programs and more for Glendale’s at-risk youth.

Tickets are $85 and will give guests access to a silent auction, opportunity drawings, lunch and, of course, a great seat to watch the fashion show. RSVPs are accepted until March 25. Call (818) 246-5586 for reservation information.

L’aureole’s Perennial Rose Luncheon & Fashion Show event will be held on Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m., with lunch served at noon.

The Oakmont Country Club is located at 3100 Country Club Dr., Glendale 91208.

  Sabrina SHELTON