Gowns give a twirl to underprivileged girls

Just in time for Christmas giving — give a double gift — here’s the scoop ...

The downtown Flamingo Journaling Group consists of about 15 Baby Apple women in the creative arts field who meet each Friday to write and then read what they’ve written.

When member Cathy Stovall told the “Flams” about her nightgown Twirligirli idea to help little girls in need, they decided to find sponsors for gowns, and that very day, she had a stack of checks from them sponsoring gowns.

Linda Ercole-Musso, a founder of the nonprofit group African Children’s Haven, gave her first Twirligirli project. She took a suitcase of Twirligirli gowns to girls at the Happy Home Orphanage in Kenya.

Some of the Flamingo members include Susan Lynch, Martha Terrill, Maggie Fuller, Elizabeth Lanier, Linda Ercole-Musso, Cherie Ray, Celia Padnos, Stephanie Thomas, Bev Frannea, Marilyn Shultz, Courtney Walker, Pam Rice and Kellianne Vallee.

Stephanie Nwadiei, a Galvestonian who has founded the nonprofit organization for African children, HABASIA, took gowns to girls in Cape Coast, Ghana.

After Hurricane Ike, The Salvation Army and Family Services Center in Galveston identified girls who needed a cheerful twirl after the loss of their homes, and 50 girls in Galveston County received Twirligirli gowns. Today, Cathy is giving gowns to girls at Shriner’s Burn Hospital and also is involved in a project with Tiki Islander Patty Mayeux whose daughter is a medical missionary in Soddo, Ethiopia.

Gown gifts are funded by donations from individuals and groups to Twirligirli. Gowns can be purchased at two places: Antique Gallery, Postoffice and 23rd streets; and at Cathy’s Etsy Shop online, www.twirligirli.etsy.com or at www.twirligirli.com. Click the Etsy link.

Donations of any amount are welcome and can be sent by check to Twirligirli, P.O. Box 302, Galveston, TX 77553.

Big Apple Meets Baby Apple In Fundraiser

The city that never sleeps … Start spreading the news as the Baby Apple Junior League Holiday Charity Ball is going to transport lucky partyers to NYC.

This 60th anniversary event brings the Big Apple to the Baby Apple on Dec. 10 and is chaired by Sarah Sullivan. Join these hardworking Leaguers at their Charity Ball, dubbed Moonlight Over Manhattan, when the Big Apple meets the Baby Apple for the league’s largest fundraiser of the year.

This black-tie, big city spectacular is filled with amazing shopping, dining and dancing with proceeds benefiting the league’s mission-driven programs. Forget everything you know about charity events and expect the unexpected.

Rather than a predictable-plated dinner, ball guests will stroll their way through famous NYC districts and indulge in delicious cuisine and cocktails. Shoppers will meander down “Madison Avenue” visiting storefronts, browsing an array of silent and live auction items. Partygoers will enjoy live entertainment by Rick Marcel and the Radiance Band in “Central Park.”

Getcha’ tix now and take a bite out of the Big Apple.

League ladies assisting on the committees are Erin Conrad, Erin Haynes, Melissa Slimp, Lisa Mignerie, Courtney Rai, Cara Koza and Shannon Leqoc. The glam fundraiser kicked off early at the League’s Sponsor Appreciation Party, chaired by Stephanie Vasut and billed as a Night at Studio 54. This invitation-only evening was an exclusive pre-party for league supporters and sponsors. Partygoers revisited Studio 54’s disco heyday at Gaido’s Pelican Club over divine hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer.



Golf Tourney Benefits Meals On Wheels

Remember, the big day for Meals on Wheels funder is Friday.

To register in the golf tourney, call: Donna Kearney, 409-599-1267; Knute Lund, 409-682-1709; or Rev. Ray Pinard, 409-789-0841. Aaaannnndddd, also, Friday is the “Dinner With the Arts” where Chef Vega has a wonderful buffet dinner planned.

There is a cash bar and lots for “free” door prizes. Galveston’s own, Nina Kay will provide an evening of music. There’s to be a fantastic silent auction, provided through the generosity of local artists. These same artists will offer their art for purchase as well. All for $40 per person.

Contact Donna Kearney @ 409-599-1267 or Desa @ 409-737-9800, ext. 100 for seats and deets.

D’ya wannabe Divafied, folks? If so, send deets ’n’ pix of your parteez ’n’ proceedings to have your name made part of The Diva’s Scenery. And if you are on the mainland, send in your party pics and the Diva will let everyone know what is going on. Call ahead and we’ll help with the pix. Email divascenes(at)aol.com or call her at 409-744-6540.