Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1196352
12 WAC Magazine | wac.net first take flashback / wac foundation WAC flashback Crystal Ballroom e WAC's main ballroom has hosted landmark events for 90 years. During that time, the room has changed sig- nificantly. Originally the Birch Room, the Crystal Ballroom earned its current name in 1974 with the installation of three Czechoslovakian chandeliers— each spanning six feet, weighing 550 pounds, and made up of more than 300 crystals. Perhaps best known as the home of Jubilee's "Crystal Casino," the ballroom is also the Club's prime wed- ding venue and hosts dozens of meetings and professional events monthly. Stop by the 3rd Floor for a glimpse of the glitter and glitz that have made this room a WAC favorite through the ages. WAC FOUNDATION Help support the preservation and enhancement of WAC Clubhouse spaces with a charitable donation to The WAC Foundation. The WAC Clubhouse is a national historic landmark, and all donations to the foundation directly support Clubhouse improvement projects. Members who donate $1,000 by March 31 will join our Builders donor list. wac.net/foundation Member Vanessa Smith was recent- ly named to Puget Sound Business Journal's 40 Under 40—a list of accomplished and inspiring local leaders. e owner of Blue Ribbon Cooking, Vanessa got an early start in the kitchen. As an 8-year-old, she was selected to appear with Julia Child on the famed chef 's televised pie-making special. Just 11 years later, Vanessa took over day-to-day operations of Blue Ribbon Cooking. Since then, she has transformed the company into a thriving business that provides cook- ing classes, hosts deluxe in-house events, and offers catering services around the Seattle area. "I saw huge potential to expand the company into the catering, event and rental arena," Vanessa told the Journal. "I knew it was a risk, but throwing lavish parties was my passion, and I knew if I worked hard and trusted in my team, that we would succeed." Here's to the chef! Crystal Ballroom, 2019 The Birch Room