Christmas Tree Elegance - Christmas Village

Janet Duca Norton: A beautiful tour of edible gardens in Palo Alto

20.05.12

A variety of architectural styles with complimentary themed gardens all incorporated edibles: a formal traditional home, Cape Cod, contemporary craftsman, an urbanized lodge and mission-style home and garden on a double lot. Beautiful designs with edibles in Palo Alto" were featured on the Gamble Garden Tour of April 27-28. Tour co-chairwomen Betty Lee Fortenbaugh, Lois Garland and Loren Gordon said they were relieved to see good weather return and the biggest crowd ever for the April 26 preview party at the Gamble Garden. More than 2,000 people toured five private gardens in Old Palo Alto and Crescent Park. 'Gardens Full of Life. Partygoers seen sampling homemade hors d'oeuvres and shopping in the boutique included Mary Marsh, Peggy and Boyce Nute, Susan and Jim Sweeney, Pat and John Davis, Lena and Bill Dawson and Jeanne Ware.

Source: San Jose Mercury News

Pizarro: Family & Children Services honors longtime benefactor

20.05.12

And, as you may recall, the biggest chunk of money that Valle Monte League donates to its beneficiaries comes from its elaborate Christmas Tree Elegance events, which have raised more than $8 million over 45 years. It's 58 years later and that organization has morphed and merged into Family & Children Services, growing along the way to the point where it helps 7,000 people a year throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The center remains Valle Monte League's longest-running beneficiary, and Family & Children Services will honor that relationship Thursday at its ninth annual Circle of Support Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto. It's gratifying to see some recognition flowing to Valle Monte League, a volunteer-based nonprofit agency that has been providing support to mental health agencies in Santa Clara County for about six decades now. Way back in 1954, it selected what was then known as the Adult and Child Guidance Center as one of its charity beneficiaries.

Source: San Jose Mercury News