December 10, 2008

Christmas Tree magic

Valle Monte League hosts annual elegant event

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

Thousands await Valle Monte League’s annual Christmas Tree Elegance and the organization’s 41st year was no exception—a must attend event of the season.

Valle Monte chair Sandy Piano showcases the aquamarine and diamond necklace her husband created and donated to the Christmas Magic event held Dec. 2-5. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

“I try to explain to people what our Christmas Tree Elegance is like,” said Valle Monte League President Cathy De Maria who presided over this year’s Christmas Magic theme. “It’s an adult Disneyland where all the pretty people go to start their holiday season.”

De Maria who lives in Campbell first fell in love with Christmas Tree Elegance in 1995. Through the years she attended many of the eight events which herald the beginning of the holiday season the first week of December. She was asked to join the Valle Monte League in 2000 and this year was president overseeing Christmas Magic.

So spectacular are the events that attendees have a difficult time deciding which to attend. A fashion show produced by Macy’s is featured at the Champagne Brunch, two morning Coffees, two afternoon Teas and the Holiday Office Party featuring dinner and a silent auction. There’s also a Children’s party and the black tie Grand Ball including a gourmet dinner and dancing.

One of the hallmarks of the namesake—Christmas Tree Elegance—are the fabulous trees decorated by accomplished designers like Campbell’s Vintage and Vogue throughout the banquet hall at the Doubletree Hotel. And it’s not just the trees that are auctioned off, underneath is a treasure of gift items; jewelry, decorator items, kitchenware, golf clubs and the like valued at thousands of dollars that the lucky winner receives.

Valle Monte League Public Relations Chair Barbara Campisi and President Cathy De Maria at the Holiday Office Party on Dec. 4.

“Christmas Tree Elegance is magical,” said Valle Monte League Public Relations Chair Barbara Campisi. “It’s a Christmas dreamland. We plan the event 14 months in advance, with a professional show, lighting and a stage. It’s like a Broadway show and it’s all done by volunteers. It’s all so exciting but the best day is when we set everything up. It is wonderful when it all comes together.”

And one special tree this year presented A Sparkling Jewel for a Magical Christmas—a 7.64 Karat aquamarine set with two diamond pendant suspended on an 18 Karat white gold necklace with 93 articulating diamonds and a value of $12,500. The piece was created and donated by Campbell resident David Piano, owner of Geneve Jewelry in Burlingame. Piano’s wife, Sandy, holds multiple Valle Monte League chairs.

“Valle Monte is such a wonderful organization and it helps so many people,” said Sandy Piano. “The organizations we help really appreciate it. There is such a need.”

And that is Valle Monte’s true purpose. More than just an annual elegant holiday event, in their 41 years they have raised over $7.9 million for local mental health agencies; Family and Children Services, The John XXIII Senior Center, the Center for Living with Dying and the Alzheimer’s Activity Center. “This year we’re adding Services for Brain Injuries,” said Christmas Magic co-chair Ingela Butters.

For more information visit www.vallemonte.org.