Welcome the Holidays
2023
Welcome the Holidays
Our fundraiser entitled “Share the Bounty” was held on Saturday, November 11, 2023. After opening remarks by Sheri Lowry, the Welcome the Holidays chairman, an invocation with a special prayer for veterans was offered in honor of the Veteran’s Day holiday by Mary Jo Gardill, the club president. A delicious Thanksgiving luncheon of rolls, salad, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie was enjoyed by the guests. Models wearing fashions from Gold Rush Diamonds & Boutique hit the runway. Narration by Lana Custer followed. The special presentation this year was entitled, “Gather Around the Perfect Table,” by Mona D’Ambrosia, from Mona’s Unique Boutique, LLC. Rounding out the afternoon were the announcements of the winners of the various raffles.
Sheri Lowry with her assistant, John Boburchuk III, draw the 50/50 ticket winner. John helped his grandmother, Charlotte Crissey, with selling the 50/50 tickets. Winner received over $400.
The beautiful fall-decorated mantles on either side of the ballroom greeted guests as they entered. The tables with cream-colored tablecloths and orange napkins had pumpkin centerpieces decorated with succulents, acorns, pine cones and greens. Small plush white, turquoise or orange pumpkin favors enhanced each place setting.
Extra pumpkin centerpieces were offered for sale.
The models for the fashions from Gold Rush Diamonds & Boutique were club members Sharon Davidhizar, Jackie Johnson, Sarah Schott, Tiffany Taha and Nancy Wojno. Lana Custer, sporting a Gold Rush top, did the narration.
Gold Rush Fashions on Display.
Pictured left to right:
Jackie Johnson, Lana Custer, Nancy Wojno, Sharon Davidhizar, Sarah Schott, and Tiffany Taha.
Sharon Davidhizar and Nancy Wojno.
Jackie Johnson shows off her sweater dress with her coat in hand.
Sarah Schott modeled two different outfits, a silky evening dress with gold polka dots, gold boots and clutch bag. Sarah then appeared at the end of the how wearing a white sweater and winter white pants topped off with a stylish tan hat.
Sharon Davidhizar on the runway modeling her winter coat.
Tiffany Taha on the runway and in the outer hallway dressed in eye-catching evening wear with boots.
Raffle items included: $100 cash, Artwork by Sarah Gayle, Fall Decor, Lucky Pumpkin with scratch-offs, Gardening Tools, Charcuterie Board, and a Vera Bradly Tote and Throw Blanket.
Sheri Lowry, Sue Konvolinka, and Mary Jo Gardill work on WTH raffle setup.
The Glamour Galore raffle consisted of a Kate Spade purse set, Around the Town gift cards for restaurants and events, and a Jewelry/Fashion package. Each package was valued at $350.
Other items available for purchase were Gently Used: Holiday Decor, Gardening Books, and Vera Bradley. Most items were priced at $10 or less. A Silent Auction of Gently Used Art Work was repeated from last year.
Gently Used holiday decor on the two larger tables. Vera Bradley purse and wallet table in the background. Silent Auction art work in the background.
Closeup of Gently Used holiday decor
Gently Used holiday decor on the table with Silent Auction art work near the wall. Pre-made bow table is visible in the background.
Gently Used wreaths, plaques and baskets.
Close up of fancy pre-made bows
Presentation of “Gather Around the Perfect Table” by Mona D’Ambrosia from Mona’s Unique Boutique.
Mona showed a number of baskets, boxes and other items to achieve a polished look on your table.
Secret weapon to stabilize plates- Alien Tape!
Wooden dough bowl with small lighted Christmas tree, ornaments and other decor.
One was given as a door prize at the end of the luncheon.
Designing Tips
Work from the ground up. Before adding plates and decor, be sure your table is placed where you want it and the tablecloth is on straight. It’s hard to adjust once the table is set.
Finished Dessert Table. In Mona’s words, “Height & Light are your friends!” Decor and signs placed at varying heights bring interest to your table. LED candles and fairy lights (which should be the last items added to the table) not only brighten the table, but also provide a softness. These elements create movement to your table by drawing the eyes up and across the design.
You can follow her on Facebook @ Mona’s Unique Boutique. Call (814) 242-5661 or email (monasuniqueboutique@aol.com) to schedule a free consultation.
Workshop Day for Pumpkin Centerpieces
On Monday, November 6, some GC of J members gathered at Mary Jo Gardill’s house and prepared pumpkin centerpieces. They were decorated with several types of moss, succulents, acorns, greenery and other items to create beautiful seasonal decorations for Thanksgiving… and after. They are made to last well into the holiday season.
Tables were set up in Mary Jo’s backyard and members worked together to create the designs that topped the pumpkins. A spray glue was added to the top of the pumpkins to hold the moss in place. The succulents, greenery and other decorations were glued onto the moss. A bottle filled with water, sprayed on occasionally, is all that is needed to keep the plants alive and looking fresh.
The finished products were lined up on Mary Jo’s garden bed wall and then loaded into the back of cars to take to Sunnehanna County Club. All of the work was completed in one day so there was no need to have a workshop the next day to finish. We thank all the club members who helped create these attractive decorations. A lucky winner at each table will be able to take one home with them after the luncheon!