December 29, 2005

Better with age

Christmas Tree Elegance event a class act

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Santa himself appears would be proud of this tree, one of 12 elaborately decorated trees, complete with gifts underneath that were raffled off at the eithg events. Photos by Kymberli Brady

“Tis the Season.” Three words that automatically conjure up visions of sugar plums, St. Nick, fresh pine, and Christmas trees—especially the much anticipated unveiling of 12 trees, complete with gifts and all the trimmings that represent the arrival of the annual Christmas Tree Elegance parties.

Tickets begin to sell long before the buzz surrounding upcoming holiday events start surfacing in mainstream San Jose. For the more than 5,000 people who attend any or all of its eight elegant events over a period of four days, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without them—the annual escape from high tech and traffic snarls into an enchanting world of Christmas Tree Elegance and fashion shows highlighting the latest trends, designed to see the splendor and feel the joy, as its theme suggests.

After all, it has been a tradition for nearly 40 years. Established in 1954, The Valle Monte League focused on organizing special events as fundraising opportunities to raise funds for licensed mental health agencies. Fast forward 51 years, as 38 successful events have raised nearly $7.5 million for groups such as the Adult and Child Guidance Center, the Centre for Living with Dying, the John XXIII Senior Center, and the Alzheimer’s Activity Center.

The trees, each with its own theme, were raffled off throughout the events, except for the Grand Ball tree, designed this year by Kren Rasmussen of Bloomsters. At the end of the auction, Cindy Fischer of Los Altos became the proud new owner of tree, along with personalized delivery and set up by Kren himself—all for only $11,000.

While few probably rushed the nearest Macys for a chocolate box hat, the dresses were well received.

Not only was Elvis in the Building, he was found serenading one lucky lady in between courses.

Past president Arlene Nobriga won a Daytime Event tree, as did Marie Lopresto, who holds the title for having the lucky raffle ticket two years in a row, and Dorothy Haisle of Jackson, CA, who walked away with the Valley Monte Jewel tree, all the bling underneath, and the 7.16 ct, pink tourmaline and diamond necklace. donated by Giraux Fine Jewelry Ltd.

Although the totals won’t be available for another month or so, Barbara Campisi, former president and three-time Chair says that until all the bills from all the members come in, the number won’t be known and isn’t expected to be for another month or so.

“We usually make in the neighborhood of $465,000” she said. “Of course, we’re always hoping for more.”

As one of the recipients, Lani Dorff, director of Develop-ment and Marketing for Family and Children Services, says after 50 years with the auxiliary, the generosity doesn’t stop with the money.

“They are so gracious in other ways,” she said. “It goes beyond just the funding. It is a partnership that means the world to us.”

“The Valley Monte Christmas Tree Elegance has really touched the lives of thousands of people throughout the Santa Clara valley, as well as the whole state of California and be-yond,” added Camp-isi. “Not only because of the proceeds—the money that we give to licensed mental health agencies, but the events themselves seem to kick off the holidays for so many people in the Bay area. They’ve lifted the spirits and touched the lives of so many people because the event is so beautiful. We’ve witnessed little miracles over the past 38 years.