The Riverbank Federated Women’s Club celebrated the holiday season with its Christmas Luncheon at the Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 7, resuming its annual fundraising efforts after being forced to take a season off last year.

Last year, the center was knee deep in renovation when the luncheon would have been held, so they canceled the event, resuming this past weekend.

“This year’s luncheon was successful and will allow the women’s club to fully fund our annual college scholarship as well as help out with other local needs,” Club President Mary Wolgamot said.

She pointed out that, in past years, the club has paid for school field trips, bought chairs for the Riverbank High School Black Box Theatre and sponsored a high school robotics team.

“Not holding the luncheon last year, because of the community center unavailability, led to a serious tightening of the club financial belt. It is great to be able to contribute to our city and citizens again,” Wolgamot added.

Speaking of Riverbank High, the luncheon crowd was serenaded by an RHS woodwind/brass octet, anchored by band leader Joey Aguilar, on tuba. They played a series of familiar seasonal tunes.

The luncheon featured 13 tables, each with a sponsor, who was responsible to recruit participants to dine with and who contribute to the fundraiser. The food was prepared by the Hoff Family Barbecue, a longstanding club favorite.

In addition to the band helping out, the club had the assistance of Riverbank Girls Scout Troop 3509. Its members helped with serving beverages as well as by selling raffle tickets.

Along with the holiday luncheon, attendees buying raffle tickets added to the money collected at the event. Given away were gift bags and other items donated by local businesses.

The Riverbank Federated Women’s Club meets on the third Tuesday each month, at the Scout Hall on High Street, near the city Corporation Yard.