Former Mayor of Orinda Victoria Smith, was among the models at the fashion show, which featured clothing from Chico’s of Danville, J. Jill of Walnut Creek and J. McLaughlin of Lafayette.
The Orinda Woman’s Club (OWC) filled the San Ramon Marriott Hotel with holiday colors and scents as its 26th Annual Festival of Trees took place Nov. 17.
Approximately 300 OWC members and guests browsed several rooms of holiday-themed silent auction items, culminating in raffle drawings for prized tabletop trees, baskets, wreaths and destination trips.
Gift baskets ran the gambit from donor Pam Hall’s Unisex Baby Essentials to a Day at the Claremont Spa courtesy of Kay Norman and Ann Reidy, to Lafayette Carwash, Orinda Motors, Kay Norman and Margaret Bentson’s “Pride in Your Ride” designed by donor Alan Hall. Local restaurants Anya’s Kitchen, Casa Orinda, La Piazza, Montecatini Ristorante and Shelby’s joined forces to create one basket entitled “Cucina d’Italia.”
Coveted tabletop trees featured such themes as “Santa is Coming,” “Holiday Sugar,” “California Dreamin’” and the “Red and Gold Money Tree.”
Lucky drawing winners were also chosen for trips to Olympia, WA, a Sonoma Vineyard Farmhouse and a Vermont cabin.
Master of Ceremonies, Dan Ashley, welcomed guests into the main dining room for lunch, followed by a fashion show featuring outfits from Chico’s, J. Jill and J. McLaughlin worn by OWC members and friends. Ashley, a news anchor for ABC Channel 7, has long been affiliated with the Festival of Trees. He is involved in many community projects with particular emphasis on helping young
people.
In existence since 1953, OWC has a stated mission to support women, children and families in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. To that end, proceeds from the Festival of Trees benefit Familias Unidas, which strives to improve the wellness and self-sufficiency in Latino and other communities throughout West Contra Costa County. Familias Unidas will use the funds raised from the Festival of Trees to help youth who have been victims of violence.
OWC Community Services Committee will also use funds raised to support young women aging out of the foster care system and entering college, as well as women recovering from abusive situations who need to enter the work world to support their families.
A grant will also be awarded to a Miramonte senior who has done significant community service. In addition, OWC will award smaller grants to local community organizations such as The Orinda Association’s Seniors Around Town program, Friends of the Orinda Library, White Pony Express, Berkeley Hope Scholars, CASA and Monument Crisis Center.
“The Festival of Trees this year was fantastic,” said OWC President Jean Barnhart, a member of the organization for 25 years. “The members work so hard to put together the beautiful 14 gift baskets, 29 decorated tabletop trees, wreaths, decor items, 62 fabulous silent auction items and three wonderful destination drawings. I am so proud to be part of this incredible organization. The Festival is a great kick-off to the holiday season. I hope more people will seek us out next November, and maybe even now think about becoming a
member.”
For more information on OWC, visit orindawomansclub.org or email orindawomansclubinfo@gmail.com.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com.