Christmas tree gala, auction aid Henderson libraries

Friends of Henderson Libraries presented its eighth annual Library Tree Lane reception and auction Dec. 2 at the Paseo Verde Library to raise money for the district's teen collection, covering grades six through 12.

The gala is a collaboration of sponsors, volunteers, donors and participants. More than 500 guests were greeted at the door by Laura Jane Spina, president of Friends of Henderson Libraries; Florica Hagendorn, coordinator of the children's programs; and Tom Fay, executive director of Henderson Libraries.

Inside the library's entrance stood five decorated Christmas trees that will be donated to various charities.

Carla Knoop designed the tree labeled "Antique Rosie," which won as most elegant in the tree competition and will be given to HopeLink.

The winner of best theme was the "Dr. Seuss" tree sponsored by Union Village and designed by Lala Contreras. It will go to the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

The "Circle of Life" tree was sponsored by Levi Strauss, designed by Amy Gonzalez and also will be donated to Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

DeVry University's tree, titled "Celebrating Education," was designed by DeVry students and will be donated to S.A.F.E. House.

The Rotary Club of Green Valley sponsored "Christmas under the Sea," designed by Donna Lee. It will be donated to St. Theresa AIDS.

Capitol North American will deliver the trees to the designated charities.

Guests including Maureen Kane, Pat Roberts, Alison and Bob Kasner, Margaret Love, Bonnie Finley, Jane and Robert Fielden, Dedee Nave, Marie Kennedy, Jim Clinton, Joan LeMere, and Robyn and Randolph Townsend strolled through the library rooms bidding on the 214 elaborate baskets in the silent auction that were donated by many businesses in Henderson as well as elsewhere in Southern Nevada.

Guests also purchased opportunity tickets to win a wreath, gift boxes and mini trees. There also were two gifts in one -- for $20, the donor could provide a teen book for Henderson Libraries and have it custom labeled to honor someone special.

The reception's guest author and editor of NPR's "Desert Companion," Andrew Kiraly, was present to autograph his book "Crit."

Music for the event was played by disc jockey Johnny Randall. Wine was compliments of Southern Wine & Spirits. Emery's La Bartista served hors d'oeuvres such as assorted cheeses, meatballs, chicken kebabs, coffee and brownies and the very popular flamed-to-order Bananas Foster.

Other guests enjoying the evening were Connie and Chuck Gerber, Laura Rene Alcaraz, Helene and Tom Sheehan, Eileen Horn, Stan Colton and Mark Hall-Patton.

Library Tree Lane co-chairs were Julie Buckley and Jean Pinckard and honorary co-chairs were Kelly and James Green.