A Wedding Party for a Good Cause

Up in Topanga Canyon, Christine Haenen and Vladimir Huber finally got around to having a wedding party--four years late. They were wed at the courthouse on Halloween, 1985, and went back to work the next day. She says, “We never got around to celebrating.”

So, on a recent Sunday, they had that celebration--with a twist. Don’t bring gifts, the invitation instructed: “At the end, they would be like those fruitcakes that people give to each other for Christmas . . . . “

Instead, guests were asked to give at least $20 to one of four charities.

“I don’t need more stuff in the kitchen,” said Dutch-born Christine, a Dutch Consulate staffer and weekend artist. “What do you do with 10 vases?” asked Vladimir. “This feels better.”

With so many immigrants struggling, added Christine, “It doesn’t seem right.” Chilean-born Vladimir added, “Of course, we’re paying for this with credit cards.”

It was retro-’60s--tie-dyed musicians, vegetarian buffet--save for the party favors: condoms from the South Bay Free Clinic.

Some stayed home to watch the first debate; still, with mailed donations, Christine and Vladimir expect to give at least $1,500 to good causes.

That’s a lot of toasters and vases.