Each year, the Friends of the Women's Resource Center host a Valentine's Day-themed luncheon titled "Have A Heart For A Child" to raise money for the children in its domestic violence shelter. This year, the money will be used for scholarships for the children to attend summer day camp.
Ellen Stotmeister, the group's spokeswoman, said as long as school is in session, there is no problem. But when school lets out for the summer, the children have no place to go while their mothers work or attend school.
Organizers hoped to raise about $10,000 from the luncheon, and about 135 people attended the event held on Feb. 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Carlsbad.
The valentine motif was carried out with tables decorated in red and white. Centerpieces were red and white carnations with red hearts, and a special mix of love songs was played during the luncheon. The placemats were created by children at the shelter and were laminated by the Armed Forces YMCA at Camp Pendleton, whose director is George Brown. At each place setting was a special goodie bag with chocolates, a WRC bookmark, a calendar of upcoming events and other party favors. The guests also received a CD of the love songs played at the luncheon.
Carolyn Grant and Jillian Jepson, both of the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, were on hand to speak about the special tours and programs given to shelter children.
Silent auction items were golf and wine packages, hotel stays and valentine-themed baskets.
Special sponsor was Coldwell Banker of Vista. Members of the event committee were Gail De Salvo, Mary Rombotis, Blake Kern, Gigi Gleason, JoAnn Bowers and Ellen Stotmeister. Selling tickets to the opportunity drawing were Michelle Davis and Joyce Cross.
Coming out to support the Resource Center were Marty Rombotis, Larry O'Harra, Colleen O'Harra and Kathie Chan.
Edith Jones, the center's official photographer, snapped memories for the group.
Also on hand were Kaj Leonard, Marva Bledsoe, Lindsey Samson, Lauren Stephenson, Jill Morgan, Colleen Barrett, Bob Barrett, Laura Kimsey, June Western, Anne Speraw, Frankie McHenry, Virginia Brophy, Ole Prahm, Deborah Trusty, George Brown, Carolyn Brown, Sandy Todd, Lorna Stofer, Louise Western, Katherine Mulderrig, Callie Stewart, Jerry Kern, Ann Mortland, Jean Burn, Margaret Ulloa, Judy Black and Sandee Carter.
