The Shakespeare Club welcomed Princess’s Madison Toedo, Victoria McGregor, and Tracy Cresta to the Shakespeare Club’s Villa on February 5th for the 61st Annual Queen and Royal Court Luncheon. These three young ladies did an outstanding job of representing the 2012-2013 Tournament of Roses Court as did Queen Vanessa Manjarrez and Princesses’ Nicole Nelam, Sonia Shenoi and Kathryne Banuska who were unable to attend. During the Friendship Hour preceding the lunch, Shakespeare Club Members and guests were able to meet and chat with the Royal Court and Tournament Officials.

The Luncheon program started off with a warm welcome and introductions from Shakespeare Club President, Shirley Weld. She introduced Club Member Jeanette Parker who presented each of the girls with a gift from the Club, a “Rose” charm. She read a special passage from Dr. Suess’ “Oh the Places You’ll Go!”, which was the theme for the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade. Mrs. Sally Bixby the 2012-2013 Tournament President gave a heart-warming speech full of special moments of her year as President and highlights of the 2013 Rose Parade. Queen and Court Chair, Joan Madsen was introduced along with Committee Members Mr. Bob Hunt, Mr. Ernie Cardenas and Mr. Ray Combs. Mr. Scott Jenkins, the 2013-2014 Tournament President shared his thoughts about the upcoming year and some of his responsibilities .

A special guest in attendance was past Rose Queen, Martha (Sissell) Bell, 1962 Rose Queen, who shared some of her treasured memories from her year. The highlight of the afternoon was to hear each princess speak of her own special journey of the past year and her favorite experiences. This is the last official appearance of the Royal Court and the poised young ladies truly delighted guests with their stories.

The Queen and Court luncheon, held yearly at the Club, has been a tradition since 1952. One of the oldest traditions of The Shakespeare Club is their association with the Tournament of Roses. In 1897 they contributed towards prizes and served picnic lunches to visitors. They entered their first float, a decorated carriage in 1906 and had four prize winning floats in 1929-1932.

The Shakespeare Club has also had a long history of Philanthropic work in the Community. In keeping with that tradition they will be presenting their Annual Benefit Production at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse on March 23rd and 24th 2013. This year’s production will be Irving Berlins’ Annie Get Your Gun. For show times, tickets and more information please visit their website at www.shakespeareclub.org or call (626) 391-2028.

Preceding the Benefit Production will be the Annual Gala and Silent Auction to be held at the Shakespeare Club’s Villa on February 23rd. Tickets are $50.00 per person and reservations are a must. For more information and reservations, please call (626) 445-6899. Net proceeds from the Benefit will provide scholarships to graduating seniors in the Pasadena School District.