Nov 28, 2006

Holiday spirit soars at League’s holiday boutique

By Kim Selby

The Junior League of Palo Alto Mid-Peninsula has the spirit of giving all year long, as proven by the numerous contributions it makes to better the community. On Nov. 17 and 18 the league did it again by throwing their 14th annual "The Spirit of Giving" holiday boutique. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency SFO in Burlingame and was a success for co-chairs Andrea Lim and Liz Torok.

An Italian wine and dessert cocktail night took place Friday evening. A Saturday morning fashion show, brunch and children's Mad Hatter Tea Party were enjoyed by hundreds of league and community members.

In addition to the special events, there were more than 40 vendors in a marketplace offering their unique gifts. There were cashmere sweaters, faux furs, sterling-silver jewelry, freshwater pearls, plush baby blankets, personalized stationary and more.

Melanie and Kent Yunk of San Carlos were on hand with Melanie's Fine Foods giving tastes of their mouth-watering barbecue sauces. There were tastings of pepper jelly, chocolates, ginger pancakes and olive oils. There was also a consignment vendor area where 25 percent of the proceeds went directly to the league.

A few of the shopping highlights included Sam Designs' elegant clutches and satin slippers for children; UV Solbeads, jewelry that tells you when you've had too much sun; and Precious Puch Dog Accessories, with everything for the pampered pup.

The delightful fashion show brunch featured league models wearing holiday and casual attire from Talbot's, J.Jill and Lucy Athletic Wear. Nearly 200 women (and a few brave men) attended the champagne brunch and applauded loudly for their favorite models.

League president Jean Limbach addressed the lively crowd and graciously thanked the boutique chairs and Gabriella Judd, who was responsible for the events throughout the weekend.

Limbach introduced two special guests in attendance. Sister Trinitas Hernandez of the Rosalie Rondu Center and Judy Koch, founder and co-chair of the Bring Me a Book organization. The league has generously contributed to these two organizations in a variety of ways.

Sister "T" is well known among league members, and past president and model Carrie Drake greeted her with a big hug after her turn on the catwalk. Drake is the league member who contacted Sister T to find out what could be done for the Rosalie Rondu Center.

The center strives to break the cycle of poverty through education, mentoring and raising the self-esteem of those it serves. In 1998, the league came in and established the Tot Spot, a location where pre-schoolers can be tended to while their mothers receive English instruction.

Koch, a well-known business woman in the high-tech industry, founded the Bring Me a Book organization to serve children who do not have access to quality books and are not read to aloud regularly.

George Rask, the morning anchor for KRON 4, introduced the fashion show and got a laugh with his self-deprecating joke about people always telling him he has a great face for radio. Rask said that after 20 years in the business he has joined the world of television and discovered the joy of concealer.

The lovely league ladies who modeled had nothing to conceal as their natural grace and beauty shone on the runway. Longtime sustainer member Ginny Gertridge joined past presidents Pam Perez and Naomi Chavez. Other models sporting pajamas and teddy bears included Karen Fryling, Julie Ruiz, Jessica Contreras, Laura Rodgers, Marcy Black, Liz Webb, Virginia Roesch, Anne Butler and Anna Dudley.

Later in the afternoon, little girls in party dresses flocked to the Mad Hatter Tea Party that was held in the sunny atrium of the Hyatt. Alice in Wonderland characters greeted the young guests as they politely sat at their tables. Each guest received a delightfully charming hat as a favor.

The young ones, primarily girls, had the opportunity to make their own glitter lotion while waiting for tea to be served. Lisa's Tea Treasures hosted the event and the young ladies and their mothers were treated to an official afternoon tea.

Lauren Limbach and her cousin Katie Limbach admired their special lotion and glistened with the glitter. Colleen, Charlotte and Caroline Lim dressed in their finery and enjoyed the tasty tea treats.

All of the children gathered around the various Christmas trees with hat ornaments of all kinds, delighting not only themselves, but their parents as well.