‘Tis the season to be jolly and hobnob like crazy.
Honestly, there is so much going on, it takes a girl’s breath away. Holiday parties, concerts, benefits, tree-lighting ceremonies, parades—oh, my, the social calendar is full!
But not to worry. Holiday hobnobbing is not all flitting around and fluff and being on the prowl for mistletoe. There are some serious moments.
It was a great pleasure to hobnob with the folks from the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara at their annual Community Leaders Luncheon on Dec. 5, at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara.
The holiday spirit was bolstered by huge wreaths, twinkling lights, and white poinsettias in the grand ballroom, where the luncheon took place. Beautifully appointed tables enhanced enjoyment of the chicken, saffron-Champagne risotto, Madeira jus, broccollini, and white chocolate mousse (accompanied by a terrific world-class salad).
Generosity of spirit and making achievement possible were highlighted at this event. Among the 375 guests were donors and friends of the Foundation, as well as members of the board of directors and advisory council. Some significant faces in the world of philanthropy were on the scene.
North County luncheon attendees included former Lompoc Mayor Joyce Howerton, Charles and Judy Markline, Erik and Judy Frost, Hugo Razo, Carolyn Aquistapace, Sandy Johnson, and Rosalie Roy.
Christmas tree raffle
I couldn’t help myself. I had to be there when the winning tickets were pulled. So I traipsed over to the strip mall between Enos and Stowell in Santa Maria on Dec. 7.
This is when the noontime Altrusa Club announced tree winners for its annual Festival of Trees. Way more than 300 (my estimate) stood outside the Altrusa site to hear mobile DJ Pete Ruiz name names on a sound system that could be heard outside.
Noontime Altrusa club members were ecstatic—they sold a whopping 47,000-plus Christmas tree raffle tickets this year. That means they have $47,000 to give to worthy causes.
Altrusa Foundation president Richard Giachetto said that this was about 30 percent more than last year’s sales.
“There was a huge influx of ticket buyers after the parade yesterday,” Norma diBernardi told me. “We were steadily busy all day. Everyone wanted one last chance to try to win a tree.”
Debbie Perez and her daughter Krystina Flynn were two of those who waited to hear their names among the lucky winners. And hear them they did.
Perez and Flynn, who bought $50 worth of tickets between them and who agreed to split the take should they win, were on site when their names were called.
Oh, be still my heart! Such excitement. They won the VTC tree with one year of monthly desserts and a ton of toys and kitchen accessories.
Laura Dias told me that Cindy McKellar of Your People Professionals won a tree with a ticket she had bought the day before. This was at least McKellar’s second tree win (not in the same year) according to my source. Think of the odds of winning if 47,000 tickets are in the pot.
The Altrusa tree site was abuzz with activity as club members packed up tickets, called winners who were not there, and started to take down the decorations and put them away for next year.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Dec 11-18, 2014.