Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley will have an estimated $70,000 to support the club’s program of work in 2014-15, thanks to the Celebrity Tribute dinner honoring Marlee Lauffer on Nov. 8.

The $70,000 is a preliminary figure as Zonta continues to collect pledges and pay outstanding bills, according to event co-chairs Cherise Moore, Michelle Woodfork and Judy Penman. More than 300 guests attended the dinner, with its theme of “Awesome Elegance.”

The event’s live and silent auctions brought in over $20,000 and donors to the Fund-A-Need presentation brought in more than $9,000. Presenters Dianne Curtis, Cheri Fleming, Jim Means, Greg McWilliams, Elizabeth Hopp, Linda Hafizi and Rose Chegwin were introduced by songs from some of Lauffer’s favorite Broadway musicals. The hit of the evening was a special song to her mother from Katharine Lauffer.

The Tribute is Zonta’s major fundraiser of the year, making up a substantial portion of the coming year’s budget. Zonta programs improve the lives of women on both a local and international level. Local ongoing programs include LifeFoward workshops for at-risk women; a girls robotics program to interest girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math; the Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program, which helps local women suffering from domestic violence; and Women in Service, a brunch which honors outstanding local volunteers nominated by non-profits which share Zonta’s mission of helping women.

Lauffer, who serves as vice president of marketing and communications for Newhall Land, was chosen for her many community activities and leadership. She is a longtime member of Zonta.