Joshua Miles and his uncle Rob Miles admire one of the many trees auctioned off on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Holiday magic was in the air at the 2019 Gala of Trees to benefit Family Building Blocks and Boys & Girls Aid.
The event, held Friday, Dec. 6, has raised nearly $1.6 million to support children and families in our community over 29 years. Hundreds from the community came together to donate trees, decor, trips, and wine to create wreaths, tabletop, and giant trees to auction.
John and Betty Pataccoli from Redhawk Vineyard and Winery donated wine an so did Willamette Valley Vineyards. Betty considered bidding on the “Heart of the Ocean” themed tree that was decorated by Judy Woods and Katerina Wert. Tree sponsor Philip and Amanda DuPont gathered friends Joe and Tina DeCamp and Colleen Benson together. Philip, an advisor at Northwestern Mutual, stood out in his very sparkly blazer. Their impressive tree was called “Holiday Adventures Await.” It included multiple vacation trips around Oregon as well as a patio set.
That tree was snapped up by Amber Toney, who was the winner of the Golden Ticket. The Golden Ticket winner could choose any of the trees to take home.
Rob Miles showed his nephew Joshua Miles “Life’s an Adventure” tree. Rob contributed a week at his Lincoln City home to go with two kayaks and a hot air balloon adventure. The “New York State of Mind” tree looked like a peek in Macy’s window. Sponsored by Cherry City Metals, the lucky auction winner took home signed Billy Joel “New York State of Mind” sheet music along with Yankee tickets and hotel stays. Surely Rich Schultz of Cherry City Metals, who chairs the Family Building Blocks board, was pleased the tree sold for $6,750.
Emcee Reginald Hendrix introduced guests to video stories from those who benefit from the work of both organizations. Auctioneer Johnna Wells announced that the Gatti Law Firm would match the first $5,000 of donations.
Patrice Altenhofen, Family Building Blocks executive director, said that donations were still coming in, but she anticipates the event raised over $175,000.
About the event: Family Building Blocks and Boys & Girls Aid work to promote the safety and stability of children. Whether they remain with their biological families or find adoptive parents, the organizations believe children have the most opportunity for success when raised with loving and caring adults. www.FamilyBuildingBlocks.org, www.BoysandGirlsAid.org
Patrice Altenhofen, executive director of Family Building Blocks, with Rich Schultz and Chelsea Lally on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Guests on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Johanna Wells handled the auctioneer duties on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Philip and Amanda DuPont, Colleen Benson, and Joe and Tina DeCamp on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
JoAnn Hayden, Kendall Holmes, Jessica King and Nita Kennedy on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
“New York State of Mind” was one of many trees auctioned off on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mike and Nita Kennedy on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
A pinot noir glass tree was one of many trees auctioned off on Friday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gala of Trees to support local children. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing a regular column for Salem Reporter. Tell her about your upcoming event at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook.
