SOLEDAD — The Young Ladies Institute served approximately 400 luncheons during its annual salad bar lunch Oct. 25 at the South County YMCA.
“It’s very satisfying for me to see bosses with their secretaries here,” said Pauline Tomasini, member of the Institute. “People from as far as San Luis Obispo and to the north San Jose come together to have a good time.”
The Young Ladies Institute luncheon began about 35 years ago in South County and, similar to what Tomasini said, people come from miles away to take part in the luncheon. The group consists of South County women who are dedicated to Christian principles of love and charity. Their mission is to help others in the organization, in their church and community.
During the luncheon, event goers were able to decide between various salads, bean and corn dishes, sandwiches with various meats, and more.
Luncheon attendees were able to sit down and enjoy their luncheons like the Red Hat ladies did from Salinas, or can take their food to go and eat back at the office.
On a larger scale, the Young Ladies Institute was founded in San Fransisco in 1887 by three young women inspired to help an ill friend. The national group has taken up the purpose of helping homeless people of all ages.