Christmas spirit comes early with Assistance League brunch

DOWNEY - The Spirit of Christmas comes early again this year, as the Assistance League of Downey holds its annual Christmas Tree Brunch on Sunday, Nov. 18 at the Long Beach Hilton.Co-chairs Judy Berg and Charlene Roche have spent the last year assembling a fantastic silent auction and several other special drawings that will start the season off right for some lucky winners. "One of the things everybody loves about our brunch are the spectacular decorated Christmas trees that decorate the ballroom," Charlene said. "These trees are dazzling works of art that can be won with a drawing ticket that costs just one dollar." "We're also holding our famous red ticket drawings, with items valued at $35-$200 that can also be won with a $1 ticket," Judy added. Another highlight of the Christmas Tree Brunch is the stunningly decorated silent auction that adorns the back wall of the ballroom. "We can't disclose all of our items, but they include a Tiffany bracelet, Disneyland tickets, tickets for Clint Black and Gladys Knight concerts and many fascinating children's items," Charlene said. "And of course, people look forward to our fabulous bake sale filled with homemade holiday treats!" There will also be a drawing for an apothecary jar containing $500 this year, which will be won by a lucky winner who purchased a $3 ticket. "The proceeds from this fund raiser go back into the community," Charlene said. "The Christmas Tree Brunch helps us clothe many Downey school children, support the dental program for young people, and provide puppet shows to elementary school children on subjects such as bullying, divorce and children with disabilities." "One of my favorite programs that the Assistance League funds through the brunch is the Story Time Festival at the Library," Judy said. "The Christmas Tree Brunch also helps us sustain our incredible H.O.M.E. Project at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, which provides a home away from home for those who have a loved one recovering from a disabling illness or injury in Downey's remarkable rehabilitation hospital." "So why not come to the brunch, do some shopping, and take a chance on winning a decorated tree for the holidays, or a handful of money with which to do your shopping?" Charlene said. And if that isn't enough, the Christmas Tree Brunch will feature its traditional and magical holiday music performance from the internationally renowned and universally admired Citrus Singers. The singers, who entertain audiences around the world each year with their gorgeous voices and sublime handbell numbers, begin their holiday performance schedule each year with the Assistance League event. "There is no more beautiful or meaningful way to start the holiday season than attending the Christmas Tree Bunch," Judy said. "It's a great way to begin a happy holiday season while helping to spread hope, love and joy throughout our community every day of the New Year!"

********** Published: October 25, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 28