Library Tree Lane hosts annual gala in Henderson

The seventh annual Library Tree Lane Gala took place at the Paseo Verde Library in Henderson Dec. 3.

A crowd of 500 guests attended to support Henderson Libraries in building its juvenile collection for third- through sixth-graders. Library Tree Lane is a collaboration of sponsors, volunteers, donors and participants that, over the past seven years, has raised more than $100,000 to augment the library materials budget.

Laura Jane Spina, Friends of Henderson Libraries president, welcomed guests and introduced Library Tree Lane honorary co-chairs Bob and Alison Kasner and Tree Lane committee members Susan Johnson, Allen Grant and Thomas Fay, executive director of Henderson Libraries. The evening's host was Pere Noel (Father Christmas).

The event featured wreaths for sale and a silent auction for 152 baskets that captured spirited bidding among the guests. The Library's Reading Room offered book bundles on myriad topics for bid.

A gallery of decorated Christmas trees that were donated to various organizations were displayed. The Nutcracker Christmas Tree, sponsored by JB Limousine Spares London UK and designed by Donna Lee, was donated to Safe Nest. The Glitz & Glitter Tree, sponsored by Galleria at Sunset mall and decorated by Carla Knoop, was donated to S.A.F.E. House. The Holiday Splendor Tree, sponsored by John Simmons and designed by Rebecca Fay, was donated to Hope Link. A Christmas Orange Tree, sponsored by Levi Strauss and designed by Lala Contreras, was donated to St. Jude's Ranch for Children. The Christmas in Paris Tree, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Green Valley and designed by Amy Gonzalez, was donated to the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

Guest author Carolyn Schneider autographed her book, "Bing: On the Road to Elko." The gala's hors d'oeuvres, pastries and flaming bananas Foster bar were by chef Emery and Brenda Childress, proprietors of Emery's La Barrista in Henderson.

Seen enjoying the festivities were Assemblyman Mo Denis; Lisa Heck, Dedee Nave, Jane and Bob Fielden, Dorothy and Danny Lee, Kyle Spina, Joan LeMere, Stan Colton, Laurie Porter-Hartig and John Hartig, Dirk Schneider, Kay Lawrence, Ann Small, Eileen and Eric Horn, Joy Tweddle, Sherry Marks, Lynn Jenkins, GayAnn Ward, Julie Buckley, Jiane Collins, Andrea Frazier, Kathy Hug, and Judy Hughes.