By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Earlier this month Soroptimist International of Glendale honored journalist and comedian Ruth Sowby (who also writes for the CV Weekly) and community leaders and philanthropists Karen and Mike Swan at its the 22nd annual Bras for a Cause event. The event was held at the Oakmont Country Club.

The fundraiser adopted the theme of Bras Goes Hollywood with most of the bras decorated in the unique style reflecting the theme. For example, Katherine Bulovic’s creation of Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, sponsored by Soroptimist International Glendale President Jean Kagan in honor of “Maggie,” was a display in pink outfitted with a “diamond” choker. The Be Prepared bra was a nod to the Girl Scouts. Creator Caitlyn Brown used merit badges in the design of the bra, which was sponsored by Adrienne Van Houten.

In her message in the event program, Kagan noted, “The concept was, and is, still very simple. Bras become decorated works of art, are entered into a competition, and are judged.”

There were four categories of winners. Most beautiful was bra #11, Glamor Girl Gorgeous; most humorous was bra #10, Adam Sandler Goes to the Oscars, most unique was bra #6, Be Prepared and best of theme was bra #8 When I’m Good, I’m very good. When I’m Bad I’m Better. In addition to the 16 bras created for the event live and silent auctions kept the evening festive. 

Former Glendale mayor Paula Devine was on hand to oversee the “wine pull.” For a $20 ticket participants could choose a wine that was tucked into a shiny bag to disguise its contents. In addition to Devine, additional dignitaries included current Glendale mayor Elen Asatryan, council members Dan Brotman, Vartan Gharpetian and Andy Kassakhian and Assemblymember Nick Schultz.

Funds raised at Bras for a Cause were dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer as well as providing service grants to women and girls to help them with education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.