The White Linen Luncheon was a lovely event with ladies dressed in spring’s finest attire with hats to complete their outfits.  The Ossoli Circle auditorium was at capacity with members and guest celebrating the year with a theme” Words and Whimsy.”  This was quite  fitting for the luncheon since Ossoli Circle celebrated its 139th year since its founding as literacy or reading club. While studying in New York, Mrs. Lizzie Crozier French, visited the Sorosis Woman’s Club, a literary and book study club in 1868. This visit inspired her to organize a literary or reading club in Knoxville that was like the Sorosis Club and invited twenty-five ladies together for this purpose on Friday afternoon, November 20, 1885.

Attendees enjoyed trivia around books and word-finds which created engaging conversations.  The Silent Auction had a wonderful assortment of jewelry, glassware, and beautiful items available for purchase.  The highlight of the event was a fashion show by “The Lily Pad Boutique “, with Ossoli Circle members serving as models.  Please enjoy pictures of the fashion show shown below. Brenda narrated The Lily Pad fashion show describing the outfits worn by the models as well as the spring fashion trends. The finale of the day was a delicious buffet filled with spring salads, tea sandwiches, and a variety of scrumptious desserts.

Thank you to Susan Calabrese, White Linen Luncheon Chair and Carol Lovingood-Hier, Ways and Means Committee Chair for a phenomenally successful event. Money raised from the luncheon is used to maintain our Historic and beloved Clubhouse, built in 1933 for the Circle.