December 6, 2007

Valle Monte League dazzles with annual ‘Christmas Tree Elegance’ fund-raiser

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

For 40 years, the Valle Monte League has produced a shining gem of fund-raisers with its eagerly anticipated “Christmas Tree Elegance” events.

Kids dress in their best finery for Valle Monte League’s “Christmas Tree Elegance” children’s party. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

This year was no different. Held Nov. 27-30 at the Doubletree Hotel, local individuals and businesses donated gorgeous trees adorned with seasonal ornaments and fabulous gifts. To date, the events have raised $7.5 million promoting better mental health within the community to their designated beneficiaries such as Family and Children Services, John XXIII Multi-Service Center, the Centre for Living with Dying and the Alzheimer’s Activity Center.

But one of the most important events is the children’s party. “I want to welcome you to our annual Christmas Tree Elegance children’s party,” said Valle Monte League President Ingela Butters. “On behalf of the members of Valle Monte League, I wish you a happy holiday season and thank you for celebrating with us. Please carry with you the knowledge that you have given a meaningful gift, the gift of giving, caring and joy to the patrons of the services of our beneficiaries.”

The eager kids look forward to the event whether they have been before or if it’s their first time. Dressed in their best and escorted by a parent, their eyes fill with wonder as they enter to see the impressively decorated trees around the ballroom, with generously decorated presents placed underneath.

“Christmas Tree Elegance is magical,” said Barbara Campisi, Valle Monte League past president, who brought her 4-year-old granddaughter, Gabrielle, for the first time to the children’s party. “It’s a Christmas dreamland. We plan the event 14 months in advance, with a professional show, lighting and a stage. It’s like a Broadway show and it’s all done by volunteers. It’s all so exciting but the best day is when we set everything up. It is wonderful when it all comes together.”

This year, Dancyn Studio started the show with rollicking moves as a child-friendly dinner was served. Daffy Dave the clown had everyone laughing with magical gags. And then the big moment arrived and Santa appeared with his elves and gifts for children. The children’s tree--piled high with gifts--was raffled off, with the winner being Heather Von Kaemel.

“The Valle Monte children’s party was absolutely wonderful this year,” said member Arlene Shaughnessy. “Valle Monte celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and it was so nice to see several young parents there who years ago attended the children’s party with their parents. Valle Monte has always been a beautiful Christmas tradition.”

Heather Von Kaemel is the winner of the children’s tree at Valle Monte League’s “Christmas Tree Elegance” event. From left are Valle Monte League President Ingela Butters, member Bonnie Robinson, Santa Claus and Von Kaemel.

In addition to the children’s party, Jewels of Christmas presented eight events throughout the four-day extravaganza--a holiday office party (see next week’s issue), a champagne brunch, two coffee and teas--all with a fashion show produced by Macy’s--the children’s party and the grand ball and silent auction under the meticulous teamwork of the “Christmas Tree Elegance” co-chairs Heidi Bonneau and Cindy Fischer.

And just as impressive as the multitude of events are the donors, sponsors and underwriters who provide donations of time and items to create the holiday extravaganza. Those include Macy’s must-see fashion shows and tree designers like Asiel Design with its Candy Wonderland tree and Bloomster’s Bling.

The trees and the fabulous prizes, such as the $12,000 diamond necklace donated by Giraux Fine Jewelry, or a 13-day cruise through the Mediterranean are all auctioned. There’s a silent auction too, with equally exciting treasures of tours, trips, services and even a child’s fantasy playhouse.

Valle Monte’s holiday story
The Valle Monte story started in 1950, and “Christmas Tree Elegance” began in 1968 when Valle Monte League President Enide Allison asked Florence Barker and Betty Darien to be co-chairs for a new fund-raiser. The first year there was a tea and a grand ball in McCabe Hall in downtown San Jose. Three years later and growing larger with more gift donations, “Christmas Tree Elegance” moved to the Mediterranean Center at the San Jose Hyatt House where it remained for 17 years until it moved to the Doubletree Hotel. Valle Monte League currently includes a 150-member alliance from all over Santa Clara valley.

For more information on the Valle Monte League visit vallemonte.org.