Let’s be honest.

When you hear the words “Junior League,” the image that comes to mind is a bunch of goody-goody white girls in pearls and cutesy little blouses.

Well, roll up your sleeves, folks, because that image is about to come off like a prom dress. The truth is this: The Junior League has spent the past 77 years promoting volunteerism among women of every race, ethnicity, and age group. The L.A. chapter’s 1,100 members donate their time in the form of seminars, community service, and mentoring. The issues they’re currently tackling include literacy, children’s safety, and homelessness. And their partners in do-gooding are, among others, the Red Cross, the Children’s Hospital of L.A., and Chrysalis. In other words, they are way hipper than you thought.

In case you’re still not convinced, they’re throwing a fund-raising event called “Viva Los Angeles Casino Night,” an all-out, down-and-dirty affair with gambling, a cigar bar, a DJ, and celeb hosts Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Heather Graham, Chris Noth, and Amy Smart. Doesn’t sound goody-goody to us. But however you choose to get involved, joining the ranks of a vital institution like this one might be just the thing you need to update your own image.

After all, your pearls will only get you so far.

For information on joining the Junior League of Los Angeles or attending the Viva Los Angeles Casino Night, contact JLLA at 323-957-4280 or visit the Website at jlla.org. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $65 or in advance for $50 through Glass & Glassman Event Production & PR at 310-287-0357.