Ugly holiday sweaters, hats and ties were pulled out of the back of closets and dusted off for the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Luncheon Dec. 12.
Those wearing their ugliest lined up in front of the members and twirled on command to give everyone the full view of their ensemble. Some even got creative with holiday decorations and lights, all in an effort to win male or female wearing their worst.
Wearing a poinsettia arrangement on top of her head, Chamber Board President Gretchen Strouphar, of Kelly Services, won for the second year in a row for the Female Ugliest Hat. Wearing someone’s old holiday sweater possibly saved since the 1980s or 90s, Dustin Adam, of Edward Jones, won for the Male Ugliest Sweater and Tie.
Strouphar won a wine basket donated by Vyncrest Winery on Main. Adam won a box of special house blend cigars donated by Kutztown Tobacconist and Lounge in Kutztown.
“They were both very gracious to give us those donations and we look forward to having them as members,” said Adam.
Since Strouphar won the contest last year, there was a Facebook campaign called “Beat Gretchen.”
“We saw how well that worked out,” she said with a laugh during an interview with The Patriot. “Hopefully, next year, maybe I’ll take a break and let someone else win.”
But Kim Davis added that Strouphar is too competitive for that.
“I am too competitive. I like to be in the spotlight,” agreed Strouphar.
What is the secret to her success?
“This beautiful headpiece,” she said, patting her poinsettia arrangement with ornaments.
She gets her inspiration from different places. “I’m very crafty. I like fun stuff so it’s pretty easy.”
The holiday luncheon Dec. 12 at the Berkleigh Golf Club was sponsored by Good Life Financial Group, Merra Lee Moffitt.
In other news, Strouphar announced that a search committee is being formed to find a new Chamber executive director.
“We look forward to 2015,” said Strouphar.
