The Boca Raton Branch of the National League of American Pen Women kicked off the 2019 – 2020 season with a fabulous luncheon and silent auction at the Indian Spring Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida on Thursday, October 17th. Members came together to begin a new creative year with plans for writing workshops, art shows, music programs and community outreach events. Many guests joined us to meet our member artists, writers, music composers and patrons of the arts.
A silent auction, which is a highlight of Pen women’s opening luncheon, is a primary fundraiser for a student scholarship program. Proceeds from the auction fund scholarship awards for talented students who need financial assistance to pursue careers in the arts. An annual community outreach event for teens at the Milagro Center in Delray Beach is also supported through this event.
Traffic at the auction tables was brisk as attendees bid and outbid each other for one-of-a-kind items: original art work by Pen women artists; Lynn University theater and concert tickets; Norton Museum passes; gift cards from Publix Super Markets, Max’s Grille and Rapoport’s Restaurant Groups; a gourmet basket from The Fresh Market; a tray of alfresco dining items; a spa basket; beauty treatment certificates; jewelry and more. And a bonus book table displayed Pen women authors’ books at discounted prices.
A sumptuous luncheon buffet offered baked salmon, chicken, pasta primavera, fresh vegetables, a salad bar, and a pastry and fresh fruit station.
There were many surprises when the auction bidding closed and winners were announced. A bonus raffle followed, giving everyone a chance to win one one of nine prizes donated by Boca Pen members.
The success of this annual event was made possible through generous donations from many sponsors – Publix Super Markets, Inc.; the Norton Museum; Lynn University; Max’s Grille and Rapoport’s Restaurant Groups; The Fresh Market, Boca Raton; JBLH Communications, and Boca Raton Pen Women members.
Pen Women and Guests
Front Row L: Marlene Klotz, Marion Ralph Back L: Etta Schaeffer, Lea Becker
From L: Marleen Pasch, Elaine Bossik, Barbara Bixon
From L: Amy Wang, Barbara Lunde
From L: Pat Wilson, Prue Carrico, Jo Jo Harder
From L: Sheila Firestone, Prue Carrico
From L: Carol White, Alexandra Goodwin