By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The inaugural Glendale Elks Lodge holiday boutique was held on Nov. 16 at the lodge providing a variety of vendors offering every type of ware for savvy shoppers.

The boutique was held inside the spacious quarters, easily housing the 19 participating vendors and the many shoppers eager to get a jump on their holiday purchases.

And there was plenty to choose from.

“We had jewelry, chocolate, cosmetics, bags, Tupperware, Pampered Chef … even the Boy Scouts were there,” said Fundraiser Chairman Jim Zerillo. “We had everything that would be for a home party.”

Though Zerillo said that the Elks fell short of the 350 shoppers they were hoping to attract, neither the club nor the vendors were disappointed.

“All of kiosk vendors were more than willing to come out next year,” he said. He added that everyone was “flabbergasted” at how impressive the club looked decked out in its finery.

“It was more than they expected,” he said.

About 250 people stopped by between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with early receipts approximating $1,750 to $2,000.

Zerillo said that it was a good fundraiser for the youth of Glendale.

“We’re looking forward to doing it next year. It’s a good fundraiser for our youth, including CV’s Prom Plus,” he said. “We got our feet wet and now know the direction to go in.”

  Dan HOLM, robin goldsworthy