On the Town: Auction items festoon the Festival of Trees; Project Renewment

The Glendale Assistance League’s 39th annual Festival of Trees was held with a flourish. On Dec. 7, the Glendale Hilton’s largest ballroom was filled to capacity with 420 smartly-clad women and a smattering of gentlemen.

Hearty welcomes were given by Karen Millman, league president, and Alma Tycer, event chairwoman, who also introduced her committee — co-chairwomen Sylvia Kowal and Karin Jonke. Also on the committee was Rouby Hardy, the organization’s treasurer. These ladies pulled off a party without a hitch — all for the benefit of the league’s philanthropies.

A silent auction got the action rolling. Some bids placed were even higher than the listed value. A gorgeous pair of sunglasses with faux diamonds across the top was valued at $40. The winning bidder, however, bid $60 for them — still a steal with the sparkling silver case that went with them.

Another popular auction item was a large plush dog that barked, rolled over, wiggled its ears and held out its paw. Hoping to bid on it was Tarquin Smith, 9, from Westchester. Alas, the dog’s $250 value was too rich for Tarquin’s wallet. (Since Tarquin is allergic to real dogs, the plush one would have been just what the doctor ordered.) Maybe Santa will come through.

The rest of Tarquin’s family present were mom, Heather Hart-Smith, dad, Edson Smith, sisters Coral Smith, 15, and Piper Smith, 13. Grandmother Mary Margaret Smith treated them all to lunch at Table 32. This 90-year-old grandma’s gorgeous gams were covered in hose with sprinkles of tiny, embroidered Christmas holly.

Making sure the action went smoothly was smooth master of ceremonies T.J. Jones. He introduced the lively chorus of youngsters from Mark Keppel Elementary School in red sequined mini-skirts and camis. Standouts were 10-year-olds Sonya Siegel-Chanen, Madison Pezzini and Cindy Gomez. All are Glendale residents.

A spirited live auction followed lunch and entertainment. Jones also played auctioneer as he tried to get the most bucks for each item auctioned off. A favorite was a tour for six at Glendale’s Porto’s Bakery by Betty Porto herself. It went for $675.

Another popular item was a one-night staycation at the Glendale Hilton, dinner for two at the in-house Porter’s Restaurant and breakfast the next morning. The lucky bidder paid a mere $375.

The league’s “Assisteens” scurried from table to table delivering winning auction forms for item pick-up. La Crescenta resident B, 16, trotted the fastest. She was followed by 16-year-olds Emily Haug and Olivia Ramirez.

Opportunity-prize drawings ended the afternoon. Bringing down the house was a drawing for the donated, highly-decorated trees with goodies. The most popular tree, a tabletop, was accompanied with cold-hard cash. The winner came away $300 richer. A separate drawing for a tree with $50 bills on it brought the winner $500.

Event proceeds will help support the league’s programs including “Operation School Bell,” which provides new school clothes for elementary school children, “Senior Neighborhood Fellowship” luncheons and “Authors and Illustrators Days.”

The league’s motto is “Caring and Commitment in Action.” There is no better example than the Festival of Trees.

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Eight Project Renewment ladies spent their holiday party wrapping presents they bought for a family of four, considered the “working poor,” chosen by Giving Tree/Homeboy Industries.

These Renewment gals represent the first wave of executive-level, professional women who are now at retirement age. But former jobs and retirement weren’t discussed at this party. The goal was to have fun while giving to those who could use some holiday cheer in the form of new clothes and gift cards. Hostess Eleanor Spaziano opened her La Crescenta home to her seven BFF’s this past Thursday.

Stonefire Grill to-go tri-tip, lemon chicken and salad filled tummies. A generous gift exchange filled spirits. The completed, wrapped gifts for the family filled hearts.

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RUTH SOWBY RANDS may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.