Local vendors gathered May 9 at the Elsinore Women’s Club for its annual Spring Craft Boutique.
The Mothers Day-themed event offered attendees mimosas while they browsed vendor booths throughout the clubhouse. A kids’ craft area was also set up, giving children a chance to paint plant pots.
The Elsinore Women’s Club has served the community for about 120 years and the craft boutique has been hosted for more than five years, according to club member and event organizer Sandy Cardone. The organization uses vendor fees from events like the boutique to help support its scholarship program and other community efforts.
“We give away six scholarships every year in June,” Cardone said. “So we’re in the process of reviewing applications now.”
Those scholarships are awarded to local high school students who apply and are selected by the club.
Linda Shurtleff, a club member and vendor at the event with Inspired Hippie Designs, said she values the organization’s community impact.
“I like what they do for the local high school kids,” Shurtleff said. “They do a lot of community service and the events are a nice way to make some money for the community.”
Many vendors often return to events hosted by the Women’s Club, citing both the supportive environment and community connections.
Cassy Klein, owner of The Braided Bliss Bakery, said she has participated in about six events with the organization. She sells homemade challah bread, which she began baking more than 20 years ago before turning it into a business.
“I love when people try my challah and they’re like, ‘Wow, that’s amazing,’” Klein said.
Amalia Padilla, owner of P&P Baking, has also participated in multiple events with the club. Her business, named after nicknames she gave her two children, Peaches and Pumpkin, sells baked treats including cupcakes, cheesecakes and chocolate-covered desserts.
Padilla said she enjoys meeting other vendors and seeing their creativity.
“At events like this you get to see other people’s favorite things to do,” Padilla said. “It’s exciting because every time I come out here, there’s always something new.”
Judy Tokas, who creates crocheted amigurumi toys, said meeting customers is one of the most rewarding parts of attending the events.
“Seeing their faces when they see something they love, especially the kids, is fun,” Tokas said.
Cardone said the boutique reflects the club’s dual mission of fundraising and uplifting local small businesses.
“Every single vendor here is a small business,” she said. “We love to promote small businesses and support them.”
