Photo and story contributed by Debbie TAYLOR

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club held its annual Spring Tea on Saturday May 8. The ladies dressed in their spring best to support the Junior club in one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. All the monies raised will benefit local charities including Operation Smile.
According to its website, Operation Smile is a mobilized force of medical professionals who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate. More than 200,000 children are born with a severe cleft condition each year that often makes them unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. In some places these children are shunned and rejected. Since 1982, Operation Smile — through the help of dedicated medical volunteers — has provided free surgeries to children around the world.
According to LCWC Junior Ruth Warren, “The beauty of Operation Smile, compared to other [charities], is that 100% of the monies go directly for the surgeries, not operating costs like others.”
Saturday’s tea was considered a great success as the Juniors raised enough funds for three surgeries that will be provided by Operation Smile.