Every now and then, a new nonprofit event pops up in town. Sometimes said event goes over so well and is such a hit that it becomes a classic. This is the case with Christmas with Holly, now in its fourth year. Christmas with Holly has become a can’t-miss holiday happening. 

Put on by Hats for Hope, this livewire event raises money for hats, wigs, or head coverings for cancer patients who have lost their hair to radiation treatment. The mission of the organization is to raise the spirits of those who are being treated for cancer. 

Hats for Hope also provides grants to those with financial need. Last year the organization awarded four grants at $2,500 each.

The fourth annual Christmas with Holly event was held Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Santa Maria Country Club from 3 to 6 p.m. and attracted more than 220 guests. It was a mix of big band music from the ’40s and ’50s; a dance floor full of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire types (talk about a floor show!); a buffet lineup of substantive appetizers hosted by Maureen Cusack and Charlotte Wellencamp; and serious schmoozing.

click to enlarge Hobnobbing with Helen
PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS
TWO HOLLY FANS: Hats for Hope founder Jeannie Miranda (on the left) with her daughter-in-law Allison Smith. They attended the fourth annual Christmas with Holly event on Dec. 18 at the Santa Maria Country Club.

Before I go any further, I should say that Holly is Holly Joel Willingham Williams, who has been battling breast cancer for eight years. This popular lady—cheerful despite all issues—is a member of the Central Coast music community, and health permitting, she sings with the Riptide Big Band. 

The congenial Riptide Big Band—about 15 members strong—plays about once a month at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center and has a devoted following of folks who love ballroom dancing. 

Holly’s brother-in-law, Jerry Williams, is a bona fide holiday fashion plate, it turns out. He showed up in a two-piece suit with Santa Claus print.

What a showstopper. You just couldn’t miss him in a crowd. 

“Where on earth did you find that?” I asked, fully expecting the reply to be “online.”

No, not online. Jerry found the hip holiday suit the old-fashioned way: in a store (Target).

“It was the only one they had,” he said, still astonished, “and it fit me!”

click to enlarge Hobnobbing with Helen
PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS
HATS FOR HOPE: First row, left to right: Diane Martino, Emily Gordon, Katie McPike; second row: Julie Epps, Marcia Papich. The group celebrated and raised money for Hats for Hope during the Christmas with Holly event Dec. 18. Martino, McPike, Epps, and Papich are Hats for Hope Board members. Gordon is a student volunteer.

Some things are just meant to be. He said that he wanted to do something that would make Holly smile. 

Jeanne Miranda, one of the founders of Hats for Hope and an ardent standard bearer for the organization, attended with her good friend Karen White. Shere Nations came to cheer on husband Bob Nations, who is a vocalist with the Riptide Big Band. Diane Martino chaired the event.

Christmas with Holly regulars Darien and Graham Wright and Keith and Margie Bowker enjoyed the ambiance. Darien and her dad, Keith, are tennis pros at the country club. 

Dr. Paul and Elva Hohe shared a table with Linda Smith, who looked charming with antlers on.  

Among the sweets at the dessert tables was a huge chocolate birthday cake for Holly, who just turned 50. That’s right: the big 5-0. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” before the cake was cut. 

I was glad to chat for a moment with Jane Rouse, who is active with the Santa Maria Valley Pioneers, and with Sheryll Minetti, who told me that Holly is her niece by marriage. 

If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at [email protected].

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