This year's ODACA officers pictured are: President Sarah S. Maldonado, Treasurer Donna Sims, and First Vice President Christine Shively-Benjamin. The Helper table was filled with one-of-a-kind items waiting to be won. "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz uesday's annual ODACA luncheon prior to the UFDC Convention was the sweetest of events. Themed "Life is like a Box of Chocolates," table decorations inspired chocolate candy-shaped candles, boxes of chocolates to munch on and other novel souvenirs. The tables were dressed with centerpieces designed and made by Stephanie Alan Rausch. Each was a different lady beautifully dressed and dramatically posed. Helpers donated by ODACA artists abounded and most everyone eagerly bought chances. Winners were ecstatic. Christine ShivelyBenjamin presented a program entitled, "Storytelling in Cloth," sharing her experiences about being inspired to create. Everyone eagerly anticipated the presentation of this year's souvenir doll. It was a limited edition doll of cloth created by Joyce Patterson. "Oohs" and "aahs" echoed throughout the room as attendees opened their boxes to find a variety of wonderful dolls. Everyone at my table had a different character! Next they drew for the centerpieces and nine women happily claimed these prized figures. After the luncheon the ODACA salesroom opened again with another opportunity to add another treasure created by an ODACA artist to your colection. What could be sweeter? The centerpieces were cloth characters by Stephanie Alan Rausch. Each of these dramatic women was unique. The souvenir was a limited edition doll of cloth created by Joyce Patterson. One of the many different dolls, this one is entitled, "Hallowed Eve Elf." DOLL NEWS * UFDC.ORG 121http://www.UFDC.ORG