One of the most widespread violations of human rights is violence against women. It affects every race, culture, class, age and country where women are potential victims at every stage of their lives.
One organization that addresses women’s issues, which are considered part of basic human rights, is the Zonta Club Cebu l.
The club continuously undertakes various fund-raising events, in its effort to sustain the many laudable projects it pursues that are aimed at furthering women’s education, leadership and youth development.
With more than enough reason to rejoice in their countless blessings and successes, the organization celebrated their 40th anniversary with an evening of glamour and glitz at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.
Past president Mila Espina, unrelenting in her task and driven by her passion to serve, conceptualized and directed the much-anticipated family-oriented fashion show-musical where Zontians and friends graciously shared their time, talent and support to raise much-needed funds for this year’s project —Adopt-A-School-Program.
Prior to the show, club president Rufina Tanchan, assisted by Cebu City first lady Margot Osmeña, presented the commemorative medallion to charter president Suga Sotto Yuvienco amid much applause.
The program began with an upbeat dance number by the USJR Amparito Lhuillier scholars. Shortly after that, some club members, with their respective families, appeared on stage donning elegant ensembles by Cebu ’s foremost fashion designers.
The three generations of the Gandioncos was led by Julie with daughter Patricia and grand daughters Dianne, Sophia and Liana. Proud mom Isabel Garcia was with charming daughter Andrea and adorable grand daughter Ella. Lani Osmeña danced her way with stunning daughters Illeana and Annette Louise. Statuesque Zontians Alice Woolbright and June Alegrado did a dance number with their respective daughters Erika and Izarra. Civic leader Melanie Ng was escorted by sons Myles Wilhelmson, Earl Christianson and Dale Johannse. Tess Chan had her well-groomed son Mark by her side. The bonding featured the Benedicto siblings Joy, Mylene Enrison and Bendy.
After the musical interlude by Yntel Beltran, lovely couples such as Gregg and Agnes Huettel, Edgar and Cely Chiongbian, hoteliers Hans Hauri and Bo and Manny and Gina Osmeña and Vince and Lucille Colina in fabulous gowns and suits obliged with a waltz.
Miss Cebu beauty queens Kris Tiffany Janson and Janice Minor together with Anna Marie Igpit, Binibining Pilipinas World 2006, and former model Quennie Ahmman exemplified ultimate beauty and grace.
Not to be outdone were the Zontian lady golfers in the persons of Cristina Ebrada, and Teresita Schaap.
The show came to a close with two of the islands most-respected and admired ladies, Cebu Provincial Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and philanthropist Amparito Lhuillier.
The event’s success was shared by big-hearted individuals who have given generously of their time and grabbed the opportunity to give back to the community.