A DAY OF SPLENDOR — At left, Stephanie Furano of Niles, left, was presented Holiday Splendor’s grand prize by Wintersville Woman’s Club President Cheryl Taylor. -- Julie Stenger

It is a day of opportunity for Ohio clubs affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs to gather for an afternoon.

Catered dining, a fashion show, vendor shopping and prizes galore were among the afternoon’s activities Dec. 1, as members of the Wintersville Woman’s Club hosted the 22nd-annual Holiday Splendor event inside St. Florian Event Center.

The purpose of Holiday Splendor is to raise money toward scholarships which the club provides to area students graduating high school and entering college.

The funding also is used toward community projects and activities which the club helps throughout the year.

Mila Timmons, 7, served as one of the models during the event’s style show. -- Julie Stenger

President Cheryl Taylor welcomed the more than 200 guests who drove for miles to attend.

Clubs representing cities, towns and villages throughout Ohio traveled to the event center, where mistress of ceremonies Joyce Palmer provided the opening remarks.

Her humor, knowledge of the GFWC and heartfelt comments proved she was the correct choice for the position.

Palmer welcomed Janice Kiaski, an honorary member of the Wintersville Woman’s Club and former community editor of the Herald-Star and Weirton Daily Times newspapers.

Kiaski told her audience she absolutely loves this annual event and is always honored to have the opportunity to speak at these engagements. She told a few stories about life after retirement and then gave the invocation prior to a meal which consisted of stuffed chicken and dressing, mixed vegetables and salad.

STATE OFFICERS — Several state officers affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, were in attendance during this year’s Holiday Splendor event, held at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville. Those in attendance included, from left, Rose Logston, Great Lakes Region president , past OFWC president; Esther Gartland, GFWC Ohio president; Peggy Hickenbottom, GFWC Ohio second vice president; Cheryl Taylor, state fundraising chairman, GFWC Wintersville Woman’s Club president; Deidra Devore, GFWC Ohio treasurer; Peggy Bennett, OFWC Northeast District president; Stephanie Furano, GFWC Ohio Northeast junior director; and Marjean Sizemore, past OFWC president. -- Julie Stenger

In addition to a 50/50 drawing, in which the winner took home more than $600, a Chinese auction was held.

There was an array of door prizes handed out to those whose envelope was blindly selected. The grand-prize winner of the afternoon was Stephanie Furano of Niles.

Not only did Furano win a television — one of the two larger prizes that were offered in a special, separate drawing — she walked away with the grand prize of the day — a set of diamond earrings and a bracelet donated by Discovery Jewelers in Wintersville.

Members of the Cross Creek Tomahawks 4-H Club served as escorts for the day, while several vendors set up displays inside the center for club members and guests to do some early holiday shopping.

Among the vendors were A Touch of Elegance Bakery and Cafe, Crafts with Glam, Dolce Pizzelles, Jocilyn’s Chocolates, Kathy’s Little Kitchen, Kennedy’s Kreations, Mary Kay, Memories with Wood, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pampered Chef, Primitives-n-Potpourri, Pure Romance, Rodan and Fields, Ruth’s Pets and Plants, Southern Living Giftware, Tastefully Simple, the Keepsake Box, Thera Jewel, Thirty-One Bags and Sew, Sew Crazee.

Various styles of fashions were shown to the crowd by women’s club members and area volunteers who served as models for the afternoon. The style show featured 7-year-old Mila Timmons, who stole the show with her poses and stances.

A navy blue velvet evening dress, black-and-white poncho sweater and orange ski-style vest were among the day’s styles worn by models.

Palmer read the description of each, offering the designers’ names, including Calvin Klein, and the department stores in which to purchase the apparel.

Club members expressed their appreciation to all of the area businesses which donated to the fundraiser, whether it was in the form of a gift card, basket or an item that was placed inside a homemade basket used in either a door prize or a prize won during the Chinese auction.

Taylor stated all of the businesses which gave toward the cause are to be sincerely thanked for their contribution.