Capitola Soroptimists Provide Cash Awards and Ribbons
Santa Cruz artist, Stacey Smith, recently took first place for her “Gaia-The Wounded Healer” bra at the Soroptimist International of Capitola-By-The-Sea 9th annual “Bras for a Cause” silent and live auction at the Seascape Golf Club on August 17.
Smith constructed the bra from Eucalyptus bark, leaves and pods to represent Gaia, primal Greek mother goddess, creator and giver of birth to the Earth.
Capitola artist Loretta Ferris was awarded 2nd place for her bra “The Singing Disco Divas,” which contained a recording of “I Will Survive” inside the glittering half disco balls that formed each bra cup.
Third place went to Donna Thompson, of Visalia, for her entry “Breaking the Chains on Cancer” and featured metal chains and locks with feathery materials laced into the links.
The top three winners received $150, $100 and $50 cash awards, respectively, and honorable mentions received a ribbon and a gift certificate.
Five Honorable Mentions included:
Most Humorous: Jug Band by Janet Herman- Most Creative Use of Materials: CandyLand Bra by Amber’lee McBride
- Best Crafted, Today’s the day the Teddy Bears have their Picnic: by Lois Alford
- Most Outrageous, World Cup – BRAZEAL!!!: by CiCi Stebbins
- Best Bra for a Cause: Dragonestomy by Nancy Russell
The People’s Choice award went to Lois Alford for her entry, “Mt Rushmore Revisited: The Presidents’ Wives,” which featured the faces of the women behind the men on Mt. Rushmore.
“We are so honored every year when artists step up and deliver these remarkable works of art for us to auction off for the benefit of the women and girls of Santa Cruz County,” said Soroptimist of Capitola President Kristin Rohan. “They are what makes this such a unique, creative, fun and purposeful event that helps other women thrive.”
More than 30 bras were entered and judged by Melissa McConville, founder and director of the popular race event “She is Beautiful,” Peggy Walker Marketello, Fine Art and Janet Taillon, textile artist and teacher.
Proceeds from the event go to Soroptimist International of Capitola By-the-Sea, which contributes to projects that improve the social and economic empowerment of women and girls. Annually, the club gives cash awards to a young woman between the ages of 14-17 for her community service; and to a woman head of household who is enrolled in a vocational training or BA program. The club also supports WomenCARE, an organization that provides free services to women suffering from cancer and Gemma, which helps women who are being released from jail return to their communities.
Soroptimist, a coined Latin phrase meaning Best for Women, is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. For more information, or to become a member willing to work to help us help women and girls, visit the SI Capitola website at www.best4women.org or contact SI Capitola at [email protected].