World of Women's fashion show luncheon includes teddy bear drive for 29 Palms

Joanne Hardy
·2 min read
Armed Services YMCA Twentynine Palms Director Patrick Byrne, Marines Xavier Peter and Mary Torres and Charity Chair Donna Kendig show off some teddy bears at the World of Women's fashion show luncheon on March 21, 2022.
Armed Services YMCA Twentynine Palms Director Patrick Byrne, Marines Xavier Peter and Mary Torres and Charity Chair Donna Kendig show off some teddy bears at the World of Women's fashion show luncheon on March 21, 2022.

Teddy bears, teddy bears everywhere. Guests arrived with teddy bears, there were teddy bear centerpieces and teddy bears on the stage of Sun City’s Mountain Vista ballroom at the World of Women’s (WOW) fashion show luncheon. An ever-growing population of bears of all sorts, colors and sizes filled a long table near the entrance.

There was even a teddy bear who, during the program, sang from the podium, “He was glad to be an American,” which got resounding applause. This remarkable bear lives with Jeanette Kleist, WOW’s distribution chairman, who thanked everyone for their contribution.

Donated teddy bears gathered for 29 Palms Marine Base line the table at the World of Women's fashion show luncheon on March 21, 2022.
Donated teddy bears gathered for 29 Palms Marine Base line the table at the World of Women's fashion show luncheon on March 21, 2022.

WOW's luncheon, held March 21, marked the organization's 20th year. Besides being a popular, charming and highly attended event, the purpose is serious. The teddy bears are destined to travel to the 29 Palms Marine Base to brighten the eyes of a Marine’s child on family day at the base.

WOW President Judi Kitchen welcomed guests, followed by fashion show co-producer Evie Kreisler’s comments and introductions. Charity Chair Donna Kendig made the formal presentation of the bears to Marines Xavier Peter and Mary Torres.

After lunch came show time: the much anticipated fashion show. All models were residents of Sun City.

With DJ Dynamic Dave supplying the beat, Tracey Hunzaker from Daisy Blue led off, narrating as models walked the runway. Next Eloise Goldberg introduced fashions from City Lites, followed by commentaries on styles from Shirley Shapiro of Shirley’s Boutique. The fashion show's focus was on attractive casual ensembles for busy lifestyles.

Fashion show co-chairs Beverley Sheldon and Evie Kreisler show off teddy bears at the World of Women's fashion show luncheon on March 21, 2022.
Fashion show co-chairs Beverley Sheldon and Evie Kreisler show off teddy bears at the World of Women's fashion show luncheon on March 21, 2022.

Although the fashion show is WOW’s signature event, members are busy all year with other charitable activities. Items for babies are sent to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, a food drive is conducted twice a year for FIND Food Bank, a coat collection is sent to the Gallery Center, 7,000 gift cards go to the Marine base, donations are given to the USO at the Palm Springs Airport and a $2,000 nursing scholarship is awarded to an individual wanting to re-enter the workforce.

Kreisler and co-chair Beverly Sheldon concluded the afternoon by joining the models on stage for closing comments.

For more information about World of Women, contact beverley.sheldon@verizon.com.

Joanne Hardy, a teacher with a yen to write (especially historical fiction stories), has published two novels, one set during the Civil War and the other the Great Depression. A desert resident since 1958, she has reported for the Desert Scene for 11 years.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: World of Women's luncheon includes teddy bear drive for 29 Palms