Hooray for Hollywood….A Metamorphosis

I have mentioned that for the last year, and very intensely for the last couple of months, I have been working on a silent auction, fashion show, and luncheon for an organization I belong to. Hooray! It’s over! It was a success! It will make a difference!

Of all the gin joints, in all the world over 500 people walked into ours.

We set fifty three tables with black cloths and silver and gold toppers. Popcorn boxes held favors. The centerpieces were fresh flowers, “Hollywood wine” and fresh flowers on movie reels.

The grand ballroom of the Hilton was transformed with Oscar replicas and a lighted red carpet runway for the models.

Of course, there were special guests…Bogey dropped in.

But you know Dorothy and Toto were my favorites.

But Annie and Alice in Wonderland were cute too. Who could resist that smile?

The silent auction was taking place right outside the ballroom with over 250 items. We’ve been collecting items, logging them in and making baskets for months. There was something for everyone.

A wonderful children’s section

Iron pieces filled with macro hydrangeas for the gardeners.

Entire vignettes created by designers

This necklace made by a local artist was a favorite. It is made of sterling, jade, and vintage time pieces.

Even a basket for tablescapers :). We raised a lot of money and had a lot of fun. It was a giant undertaking accomplished by many talented and dedicated women. But I told you this is about making a difference…a metamorphosis. What does all this get you besides aching feet and a neglected hungry husband???

The money raised will provide interest-free loans and scholarships for deserving students. Many of the recipients are men and women returning to the academic world after a leaving to raise families or for financial reasons. Some are seniors in high school starting out for the very first time. Lots of them are nursing students. I like to think that we provide more than money….we provide hope and a plan. My aching feet and husband will get over it :)

Join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more makeovers! Just click her button for immediate transportation! Thanks Susan!

Tablescape Thursday....Elegant Luncheon Buffet

I don't know about you, but summer and hot weather make me just a little lazy. You can call it heat induced lethargy, but it's still just lazy. Susan, our friend at Between Naps on the Porch doesn't seem to suffer from this malady! She's busy as a bee setting tables, taking walking tours, and snapping pictures! Please visit her to see this week's creative tables!

I belong to a women's organization founded in 1914. This organization is dedicated to providing scholarships and interest-free loans to young men and women who need financial assistance for college or graduate education. Over the years hundreds of young people have been able to achieve their dreams with the assistance of this group. That said, this group of women is also one talented group of decorators and cooks! Each month we meet in a member's home for our monthly business meeting and are then treated to lunch by alternating hostesses. This is a picture of the table at our May meeting.

Lots of our members are active garden club members also. The flower arrangements at these luncheons amaze me. The main centerpiece for this table is made from double begonias and potted geraniums. The butterflies hanging from the chandelier are from Hobby Lobby. See that cute butterfly net on the table? This is a "light" luncheon-- mainly salads and finger sandwiches. The sideboard, however, is another story. It is laden with decadent desserts! Each month the hostess and her team come up with a different theme. Thanks for letting me off the hook with my own table setting---I'm busy packing for the beach. Join Susan at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ to see what her faithful contributors have come up with this week!