Hodgepodge hobnobbing is the theme of this last column of the year: a little bit of this and a little bit of that—stuff that was overlooked in the year’s regular gad-about reports.
First off, if there is one thing Santa Maria doesn’t lack, it’s Christmas tree raffles. The three Altrusa groups in town have all glommed on to a real people pleaser: raffling off decorated trees at a dollar a ticket. The trees come with all manner of merchandise: toys, bikes, barbecues, books, laptops, DVD players, television sets, and so on.
So popular are these raffles that they bring in more than $60,000 that’s distributed to local nonprofits by the altruistic Altrusans.
For example, on Nov. 14, in the library’s Shepard Hall, the noontime Altrusa group (their Christmas Tree Festival takes place in the Penney’s mall) gave away $20,000 to 21 nonprofits.
It was a jolly occasion, with lunch. Folks like VTC’s Kirk Spry, GenSpan’s Brenda Frazier, and SMOOTH’s Jim Talbot enjoyed hobnobbing with their peers.
The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society’s executive director, George Majoue, announced that they had just received an anonymous contribution of $250,000.
We all know that the Santa Maria Philharmonic has been having difficult times.
Two of the touching stories told by recipients were from the director of Martha’s Meals at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the music director from Santa Maria High School.
St. Peter’s started a lunch program for the needy at the church. The program grew and grew until Martha’s Meals applied for nonprofits status to be able to apply for grants and secure funds for a pressing community need.
The young man who is the high school music director talked about the benefits of music education in high schools and, of course, the state budget cuts that hamper the purchase of instruments.
Golden Valley Altrusa, which has breakfast meetings at IHOP, is the newest kid on the block. Golden Valley is a recent spin-off from noontime Altrusa, which is a spin-off from the original nighttime Altrusa.
Oh my, it does get confusing!
Golden Valley had its first Christmas tree raffle this season. We haven’t heard yet where their proceeds will go.
Diane Aleman-Stevens, of the original Altrusa, e-mailed me that this year’s Extravaganza, held at the Elks Club, was a roaring success, bringing in as much or more than last year’s proceeds, despite the economy.
Celebrate Philanthropy! Day
If you want a giant dose of warm fuzzy feelings, be sure to book a place for next year’s Celebrate Philanthropy! Day luncheon, traditionally held locally during the first week of November.
This event, now in its fourth year, is traditionally a sell-out. The Santa Maria Country Club dining room was packed with people who are involved with giving to the community.
Each year, the luncheon honors locals who have been exceptionally generous to the Santa Maria Valley.
Norma Bernardi, who is active with Women in Agriculture, spoke about the contributions of two honorees, Jeanne and Edwin Woods, to the Santa Maria Valley.
Jeanne and Edwin Woods were honored in memoriam. This year, just a couple of months apart, they passed away. Prudi Woods Noon accepted the award for herself, her sister Francine, and her brother Edwin Woods, Jr.
Stu and Jan Bartleson were the other couple honored this year.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Dec 29, 2011 – Jan 5, 2012.