The Soroptimists of Glendale hosted their fifth annual "Bras for a Cause" fundraiser at the Oakmont Country Club last Saturday.

More than 250 guests attended the gala event, which included a silent auction and social, an elegant dinner and a live auction followed by the presentation of awards to the winners.

What was silently auctioned? Bras! Of course these were not your ordinary Playtex, Bali or Victoria's Secret undergarments. In fact, it might be difficult to wear these astonishing and clever creations.

Artistic women, groups, and yes, even a few men, started with the basic support garment and created "center piece" displays using this year's theme of "Bras for a Cause Goes On Vacation."

Many had humorous titles, such as: "Twin Peaks Bra," a camping display submitted by La Crescenta Girl Scout Troop #902, "Yosemit-D Bra" by Susie and Phil Kaplar, "The Great Bra of China" by Susan Carr and the American Red Cross and "Snorkeling in Bra-zil Bra" by Bill Williams.

A beautiful display with colorful tulips and small wooden shoes was entitled, "Dutch Boy's Delight Bra" by Beverly Ann Flowers. A 'hot air balloon' made of several colorful bras was called "Around the World in 80 Days Bra" by Phyllis Nieman.

Probably the one that drew the most attention was the "Op-Bra" by hair stylist Joe DiMaggio (yes, a relative of the baseball player). He designed an extra, extra large, black lace bra... filled with two, sepia-toned, Old World-style globes as...er...fillers.

From whose mind did this "crazy" idea for fund raising spring? Five years ago, incoming President Kathy Lefkovits woke up with it one morning. She'd been to a realtor's conference where the speaker had told them to "think outside the box."

With trepidation, she presented her idea to her fellow officers. Silence reigned for a few agonizing seconds, and then one woman - an attorney - spoke her thoughts while absently hefting her cupped hands. "I could make a Scales of Justice bra..." And so the idea took off.

The displays - and there were also many that did not feature bras, but included gift items ranging from hair/skin/body products to wines & cheese to coffees & teas to best selling books - were all donated in honor of a friend or family member.

Beside each display, guests could sign a card and "bid" on the item. Another person could come by and "up" the bid, and others could follow.

At the end of this silent auction, the last person to sign (with the highest amount) would take it home. If you really wanted a particular display, it behooved you to hover near it to make sure you were the last to sign.

At the end of the evening, winners would be announced. Judges also chose their favorite displays.

At the live auction after dinner, large-scale items could be bid on, such as: a large BBQ grill and accessories... a sailing trip to Anacapa Island for six... tickets for two to the L.A Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall... golf at Lakeside Country Club, including lunch... and a Mammoth skiing one-week getaway , which was a $2,100 value.

Since the Soroptimists is an international organization of professional women who "work to improve the lives of women and girls," this fundraising naturally took a course toward breast cancer research and treatment.

Last year, this fun and fancy event netted $41,000. This year, they are hoping for even more.

Beneficiaries will be the Verdugo Hills Hospital, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, and Glendale Memorial Hospital Cancer Services, and a few other Soroptimist philanthropies.

For information about donating to "Bras for a Cause," call Lefkovits at 818-432-3221.