"I am really astounded at the effort and the thought that went into these," said Kathie Mathis, director of domestic violence programs at the Glendale YWCA and one of three judges for the event. "What a fabulous way to raise money."
Indeed, the event has become the club's most lucrative fundraiser, raising $35,000 last year, Lefkovits said.
In doing so, the event has also raised the club's profile in Glendale as it funds a long list of community programs and nonprofit groups, club president Lou Rhodes said.
"Every year, we've been a little more successful," she said.
Even before the event got underway on Saturday, Lefkovits said the club had grossed $20,000 before the silent and live auctions for the bras, some of which had opening bids into the hundreds of dollars.
The three-judge panel this year chose first- and second-place winners in the three categories for the most beautiful, humorous and unique entries.
The "Steel Magnolias Bra" submitted by Hughey Escrow Company took first place for most beautiful, with runner-up going to "Thelma and Louise Join the Red Hatters Bra," submitted by the Foothill Floozies Chapter of the Red Hat Society.
"The Devil Wears Prada" entry, submitted by Assistant City Manager Bob McFall, took first place for most humorous. It featured a red piece of lingerie over a stuffed "teddy" bear. Julie and Howard Shermer's "Fifinella" bra placed second.
The most unique entry submitted by Cal National Bank, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," featured a shell-styled aqua green bra atop a fish bowl housing several live fish. Second place went to Phyllis Nieman's pirate ship outfitted with black bras as sails in "Sailing for the Cause."
After the silent auction had closed, the audience had its own say through the People's Choice Award, tallied from a consensus vote by each dinner table, picking Nieman's bra, which bestowed dual honors on her entry.
All the proceeds from the event will benefit 26 different clubs, programs and projects throughout the city, including $5,000 each to Glendale's three hospitals, Lefkovits said. Any expenses are covered by the club, Rhodes said.
The preliminarily amount raised on Saturday is $45,000, up $10,000 from last year's $35,000, she said.
"We're thrilled with that," Rhodes said.
