SPARKLING AND SHINING: 2021 HOLIDAY FETE

They were all there: the “Christmas Cheerleaders,” the "Hanukkah Holidates,” the “Holiday Honeys,” “Joyful Jesters” and “New Year Notables” all disguised as Santa Monica Republican Women Federated members and guests against a palette of jewel-toned red, green, gold and blue hues. The celebration began with attendees enjoying specialty holiday shopping with a chance to win a gloriously designed gift basket, then on to a gourmet meal amidst cheerful caroling, and festive songs by Catfish Band. All this while enjoying nautical bayside views, and the beautifully orchestrated program designed and dispatched by SMRWF. President Patricia Peterson honored each of the outgoing SMRWF Board Members with a special gift and edifying comparison to an attribute of gold. Each new SMRWF Board Member was then introduced and Mrs. Suzanne Reyto, former President of Malibu/Bel Air Republican Women Federated, installed the 2022 SMRWF Board. Mrs. Reyto presented each new Board Member with two roses, one representing her role as a SMRWF Board Member and the other rose an honoring gift. Then, each new Board Member placed one of the roses in a crystal vase becoming a beautiful bouquet. This represented unity impacting a world needing beauty, talent and virtuous exampleship. One would say the entire memorable SMRWF holiday fete was a fun and fulfilling time!

SUCCESS WITH SMRWF'S SUMMER'S NOT OVER AFFAIR

Over 100 people gathered at the Luxe Hotel on September 9, 2021 to celebrate the last days of summer and encourage each other just days before the Newsom Recall Election. We started the evening with a delicious appetizer buffet and enjoyed the music of Catfish band as they killed it with blues, jazz and soft rock. We welcomed many candidates who were running for governor including Chauncey "Slim" Killens, Joe Symmon and Sam Gallucci and his wife Toni. The star of the evening was an appearance by our honored guest Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. He received a standing ovation as he walked to the stage - much to his surprise. Sheriff Villanueva knows where his constituency lies as he cleaned up the homeless population at Venice and Malibu beaches and has not enforced mask mandates. We capped off the evening with an impressive speech by journalist and Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Advocate Susan Shelley. Many thanks to our fundraising team of Karen Murphy, Linda Grossman, Christine Centolanza, Pam Cohen and Giovanna Feuerman for putting together a wonderful array of items our auction and drawing. Many thanks to everyone for attending and your financial support.