OAKHURST — Members of the Service Organization of the Sierra invite the community to a “Magical Mickey Christmas,” on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Oakhurst Community Center. The fundraising event features a popular Boutique that opens at 10 a.m. followed by a luncheon served at 11:30 a.m. Organizers promise raffle and door prizes, too.
The donation requested for tickets is $20 and all proceeds benefit local schools.
The Service Organization of the Sierra (SOS) maintains the sole purpose of service to the community, usually in the form of support for education.
SOS started out with a group of women in the 1970s, most of whom were retired school teachers. Seeing that schools and students were in need, they wanted to raise funds for mini-grants for high school students who need help after graduation with “lift off,” according to volunteer Bonnie Warner who is the current Publicity chairperson and group photographer.
“We have currently 21 ladies in the group who are ex-and current business women,” says Warner. “I am blessed to know these women who work so hard for kids. We provide significant scholarship funds in the thousands of dollars, to all the local high schools including Minarets, Glacier and Yosemite High Schools.”
They’ve also given help to Hinds Hospice, Oakhurst Branch Library, MALCO (a Madera County adult literacy program), Relay for Life and other organizations.
The Boutique and Luncheon is an annual event and is one of only two fundraisers the group puts on every year. They’re also responsible for a fairly notorious Bingo party that’s usually around St. Patrick’s Day in the Spring. At last year’s Bingo night, the winner of a 50/50 raffle (money is collected and then split evenly between the raffle winner and the nonprofit organization) took home a whoppingly impressive $600. Organizers plan a similar 50/50 raffle for the Luncheon on Nov. 13.
This fall event, a Magical Mickey Christmas, is expected to draw many from the community who look forward to the collection of artisan crafts pulled together for the SOS Boutique. It’s been said that in years past there has been a line out the door into the parking lot of people waiting to get into the Boutique. You’ve been advised!
Insiders say the food that’s available for purchase inside the Boutique is delectable, including various fresh-baked breads and delicious Divinity candy. Guests will also find an array of handmade items that could really knock some names off the holiday gift-giving list. Items include kitchen décor, baby gifts, holiday decorations, jewelry and much more.
Lunch, which is included in the entrance fee requested, will be one of lasagna, salad and homemade pies. We hear some people come just for those pies which are slipping into the legendary category.
SOS welcomes new members. “We are always seeking new women for our membership who want to get into something that has ‘purpose’ within their community,” Warner explains, “and anyone interested in attending one of our meetings to see what we are all about, before making a decision to join.”
For tickets to the SOS Boutique and Luncheon contact Janet Franklin at 559/641-6556.
For membership information contact Membership Chairperson Dottie Lee at 559/683-5119 or Bonnie Warner at 559/554-2148.
