Festival of Trees auction raises $51K

COMMUNITY ARTS AND THEATRE SOCIETY

Festival of Trees auction raises $51K

Photos and story by Sharon Kivisto

posted 12/06/04
More than $51,000 was raised at the Community Arts and Theatre Society (CATS) Festival of Trees Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004. Bidding was hot for several items including a train set built by Ken Sliger. The winning bid was $5,000, the bidder donated the train back to the auction. It was then purchased by another bidder for $4,000.

Festival co-chairs Marcy Hahn, Janet Ludwig and Susan Schirmer gave a special thanks to Robin McKillop and Tom Holzhauser. McKillop, who has created countless costumes for the theater, is moving to Colorado. She received a "CATS" scarf. Holzhauser, the theater's production manager, received a "Strong Man".

Forty-four items ranging from decorated Christmas trees to cruises on canals in France were auctioned off by auctioneer Trish Lehman. She was assisted by Susan Grout and Farhad Ghatan. Numerous items displayed in the Gubelman room, were purchased through a silent auction.

Marcy Hahn, Janet Ludwig and Susan Schirmer co-chaired the annual fundraiser.

Brenna Woods, Trish Lehman, Susan Grout and Farhad Ghatan demonstrated the seating capacity of a bench built by Joseph Romano.

Casey Lehman and Janet Ludwig displayed "The Last Santa" by Joan Gordon.

Silent auction items were displayed in the Gubelman room.

San Juan Community Theatre Board Chair Pam Nichols reminded the audience of the role the theater plays in people's lifes. She read a letter from a 21-year-old Oregon woman who was inspired by a concert at the theater. She took up the oboe and is now studying music therapy.

Master of Ceremonies Doug Bison kept things moving along, sequeing between the auction and the entertainment.

Doug Bison

Pam Nichols

Tom Holzhauser

Robin McKillop

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CATS enclose entrance to theatre

posted 11/10/04
PRESS RELEASE: Patrons are already beginning to enjoy the San Juan Community Theatre front enclosure. This C.A.T.S. project became a reality thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters of the Festival of Trees. Guests at this year's Festival of Trees Deck the Halls will enjoy the extra space for wine and food service. Doors open for Festival of Trees Deck the Halls at 5:30 p.m. Saturday December 4, 2004.

Master of Ceremonies Doug Bison will host the evening with his repertoire of comedy, serving as a perfect segue to the amusing vaudeville show by Ted Soares. Guests will have an opportunity to bid on private yacht cruises in (local waters as well as excursions in Alaska and France), a delicious selection of privately catered dinners, and a condo at Sun Peaks Resort, and, as always, a wonderful selection of objects d' art, seasonal decorations, entertainers, and unique gifts galore - all of this contributed by our island residents, artists, and local businesses!

Contact the Theatre box office at 378-3210.

CATS will Deck the Halls

posted 10/27/04
Don't miss this year's Festival of Trees, "Deck the Halls." at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004. This special evening, which is produced by the Community Arts Theatre Society (C.A.T.S.), raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for improvements and other special projects at the Theatre.

Festival patrons will be treated to lavish hors d'oeuvres and beverages while bidding on dozens of silent auction items. Two sessions of live auction bidding will be interspersed with some very special entertainment, produced and directed by Ted Soares. Doug Bison will serve as MC, and Trish Lehman as auctioneer.

Festival Food Chair Susan Schirmer has created a delicious menu including beef kabobs, a variety of nori rolls, assorted cheeses, pates, breads and other specialty items from the Peppermill Seafood and Steak House, Golden Triangle, Kneadful Things, and The Gimbaled Gourmet. Hors d'oeuvres will be served from food stations, each uniquely decorated by Kathy Farron of The Gimbaled Gourmet. Kathy will be donating her time and expertise to coordinate efforts for a smooth presentation of this fabulous fare. Special desserts baked by C.A.T.S. members will be served at intermission.

Tickets are $50 each, of which $25 is tax-deductible AND each person who attends will have a chance to win one of 30 fabulous door prizes valued at $50 or more. Ticket order forms are available at the Theatre box office - 378-3210.

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