The AAUW Corpus Christi Branch held its holiday luncheon on December 7, 2019, at the Mirador from 11:00 am -1:00 pm. Members enjoyed an excellent meal with an array of salads, three entrees, vegetables, and bread pudding. The time before lunch was spent greeting friends, meeting new members, buying raffle tickets for the gift baskets, and perusing the silent auction tables.

President Dottie Ewing opened the short business meeting with a welcome to all members and guests, and she called on officers to present monthly reports. Then Dottie introduced our newest student member, scholarship recipient Yasmin Hernandez. Yasmin approached the podium and said how honored she was to be a member of the organization and how she looked forward to getting to know more members. Yasmin then thanked everyone who helped sponsor her membership.

On behalf of the Branch, Kristin Conlan expressed appreciation for everyone who made generous donations of gift cards that were arranged in two gift baskets for the raffle. The value of the baskets this year totaled nearly $400 each. After time was called on buying raffle tickets, the drawings were made, and the winners were Alice Hartlaub and Kristin Conlan. Yes, even organizers of events buy tickets and can be winners — congratulations, ladies!

At the end of the meeting, the happy winning bidders of silent auction items were able to claim their new-found treasures, from handcrafted jewelry and notecards to cut crystal, hand-thrown pottery, Christmas ornaments, candy, purses, and much more.

We wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday season with family and friends.