Christmas tree auction benefits Down syndrome group

The Back and Goldstrom families, along with Dr. Kochy Y. Tang, were honored during the 23rd annual Festival of Trees & Lights gala Nov. 18 at the Four Seasons.

The event, which features auctions of elegant Christmas trees and other holiday decor, is a benefit for the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.

Johannah and Frank Back, parents of Chloe, were honored for their dedicated work for Down syndrome both locally and nationally. The Backs also contributed three beautiful Christmas trees for the event's auction.

Shirley and Art Goldstrom and their daughter Sheri have been active in many local charities, including the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada. The Goldstroms open their collections of antiques, artifacts and autos for viewing for the children, and over the years they have purchased 35 of the gala's Christmas trees.

Tang is a longtime friend and supporter of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.

The reception room was aglow with numerous trees, holiday wreaths and baskets, and other decor created by designers and their teams for the silent auction.

Entertaining in an adjoining reception room was the Las Vegas High School choir. This room was filled with decorated Christmas trees surrounded by presents that carried out the tree's theme, such as Harry Potter, gourmet cooking, travel, jewelry, parties, favorite football team and pet dogs.

Santa Claus welcomed guests including Shelley and John Rhodes, Terry McBeath, Patty and Robin Joyce, Buffie and Tom Kerestesi, Karen Iglesias, Stan Wasserkrug, Theresa and Michael Minden, Betsy Rhodes, Melinda and Bob Brown, Patricia and Richard Wright, and JoAnn Conner. Many of the Down syndrome children also joined in the evening's festivities.

The Desert Skye Pipes and Drums, led by Kenneth Misch, entered the reception area, circled the room and then led guests across the resort to the Four Seasons Ballroom for dinner. Table centerpieces were by David Filter's English Garden Florist, and dinner music was by Jerry Valdez's Montaggio.

Masters of ceremonies were KLAS-TV, Channel 8 news anchors Dayna Roselli and Gary Waddell.

David Frydman, board chairman of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, spoke about the group's numerous programs, therapies, educational forums and social events and how they benefit members and their families. He thanked this year's event sponsors: Fidelity Investments and Ideal Supply Co.

Four Christmas trees were auctioned off by Richard Rehm in a live auction. The Neiman Marcus tree sold for $2,000, the Happy Hour tree went for $2,500, the Game tree brought in $4,500, and an outdoor Christmas tree cost $3,400.

Among those seen were Lori Sanders, Perry Core, Connie McBeath, Rita Cruz, Antonio Martinez, Quara and Rick Pyatt, Sandy Windom, Lori Hutchison, Stacy Smith and Taiya Thompson.

Tree chairs were Deann Cline and Sue Covey. Debbie Avery chaired the wreaths, menorah and stockings, and Janis Kelley chaired the baskets. Rich Ritzo and Paul Truman did tree delivery. Judging the entries was Victoria Fiscus.