Dec 10, 2007

Christmas Tree Elegance celebrates 40 years

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

"The Jewels of Christmas" was the theme of the 40th annual Christmas Tree Elegance celebration presented by the Valle Monte League at San Jose's Double Tree Hotel. The four-day event featured eight sold-out parties starting with a champagne brunch on Nov. 27 and ending with a grand ball on Nov. 30. Brunches, teas and an office party featured a professionally produced Macy's fashion show with the jewel theme.

As is tradition, the star attractions were the 14 designer-decorated trees laden with gifts, representing a partnership between professional designers, volunteers and generous prize donors. Donation drawing tickets were sold for each tree and the trees were awarded at each event.

The Grand Ball tree, valued at $32,000, was awarded during the final night's gala. Longtime Valle Monte League supporter Marlene D'Amico was all smiles when she made the winning bid on the tree and took home fabulous gifts, including a Crystal Harmony Mediterranean Cruise, a red spinel bracelet donated by Joe Escobar Diamonds and a pair of diamond earrings, donated by Charles Shepardson.

Event co-chairwomen Heidi Bonneau and Cindy Fischer worked a year with their committee to produce this glittering event. Bonneau and Fischer started organizing this year's ball before last year's Elegance closed, by signing 2006 Grand Ball bandleader Joe Sharino to play again. The co-chairwomen also gave the milestone fundraiser a state-of-the-art Web site, as a vehicle to display the jewels sold by donation drawing.

Bonneau and Fischer's other innovations included an ornament boutique (that completely sold out) and a silent auction featuring a life-size playhouse, built and donated by Brion Smirl of Trademark Builders. Gary and Sandra Gillmor were the lucky winners of the designer playhouse.

"(Fischer) and I are very proud to have served as chairwomen of this very special series of events, and are grateful for the continued support of our most generous community donors," Bonneau said. "Knowing that our fundraising efforts benefit our four mental health agencies is the best 'thank-you' anyone could ask for."

During its 40-year history, Elegance has contributed more than $7.5 million to the Centre for Living with Dying, John XXIII Multi-Service Center, the Alzheimer's Activity Center and Family and Children Services - with which the Valle Monte League has had its longest partnership, dating back to 1954.

Elegance is a tradition for both members and guests. More than 6,000 people attended the weeklong festivities. Longtime Elegance attendees Mary Ann Dazel, Marilyn Labetich and Lara O'Brien of Los Altos were seen smiling at emcee Lissa Kreisler's (KBAY 94.5) remarks and applauding event founder Florence Barker when she strolled the runway at the "Holiday Office Party."

Los Altan Lenore Cambore not only brought friends Chris Younkin and Jeanne Stanifur to the Nov. 29 tea, she won the tree titled "Supernova/Bay Area." Barbara Campisi, who has participated in all 40 Elegance events, brought her granddaughter Gabriella to the children's tea.

Guests at the Grand Ball included Family and Children Services board member John Harland and his wife Cynthia, board member Jim Ochsner and his wife Laura, Lynette and Praveen Mandal, new board member Fran Eastman, President and CEO Jim Welsh and Lani Dorff, director of donor relations, and her husband Gary.


"WINTER WOODS" AT FILOLI

Events featuring beautifully decorated trees, seasonal entertainment and shopping are part of the fun of the holiday season.

"Winter Woods," the 25th annual Holiday Traditions benefit at Woodside's historic Filoli, showcased the natural beauty of the estate with a re-creation of the surrounding winter landscape. The famed weeklong (Nov. 23-Nov. 30) shopping boutique featured sold-out luncheons, afternoon teas, a gala dinner dance, an opening night premier shopping party and a final day of children's parties.

Attendees viewed beautiful decorations and trees featuring faux bois, lichens, mistletoe and animals including deer, snow owls and squirrels, throughout the house and Visitors Center. Guests also enjoyed entertainment by local student music groups and had the opportunity to shop for holiday decorations, crafts and estate-packaged culinary items, such as spices, vinegars and olive oil.

Holiday Traditions co-chairwomen Sue Givens, Florence Bell and Pamela Smith were excited about boutique chairwoman Linda Fujimoto's introduction of a stylish collection of holiday wear and antique furniture.

"We are delighted with this year's Holiday Traditions event," said Jane Risser, Filoli's executive director. "And without a doubt, this will be our most successful event to date."

For the first time, the dining room was decorated for a vintage children's Christmas dessert party, circa 1920s. The design idea was inspired by a Gabriel Moulin photograph of a children's party given by Anna Spreckels (of the famous San Francisco sugar family). Children of all ages liked the electric train (provided by Talbot's Toys of San Mateo) that chugged around the dining room table.

Guests at the opening night premier party included Ron and Barb Peyton, Betsy and Tom Furst, Heather and Gary Winner, Jeff and Dayna Deaton and Filoli board member Larry Schwab and his wife Pam. Also in attendance were Seipp family patriarch Ed and his wife Anne with their son Win and his wife Barbara (a Filoli board member), and their children Alex and Melissa.

Former Governing Board member Chuck Huggins and his wife Donna came from their new home in Larkspur for a reunion with friends at the gala dinner and dance party.

Filoli is a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Benefit proceeds provide a large portion of the $3.2 million annual operating budget, which supports the operation, preservation and conservation of the 43-room, modified Georgian mansion and its 16 acres of world-class English Renaissance gardens.

E-mail Janet Duca Norton at society@paloaltodailynews.com.