The Corinthian was awash in the spirt of the holidays Saturday night when Trees of Hope took over with its annual black-tie gala featuring scores of enticing holiday decorations in the most delightful silent auction of the year. From a Baccarat tree decorated in crystal snowflakes, prisms and shooting stars to a Hook 'em Horns confection, the offerings stirred the holiday cheer.
With 460 guests in a bidding frenzy, the 10-foot tall tree made of shed deer antlers (perfect for that South Texas ranch) went for a whopping $20,000. Each year, the tree is contributed by Frio County FFA and 4H clubs. That five-figure purchase brought the total raised on this festive evening to more than $750,000 for the Star of Hope Mission.
It was a major haul that had gala chairs Leigh Smith and Terry Prather, honorary chair Lynn Wyatt (who assisted with the paddles-up appeal) and Trees of Hope board chair DeeDee Marsh beyond happy. Taking bows as auction co-chairs were Mary Rothwell (whose mother-in-law Charlotte Rowell arranged for the antler tree), Carol Buckley and Michelle Stewart.
It was a specially happy occasion for two others — Elizabeth Nelson and Drew Kanaly had been married at noon and joined the Trees of Hope party to celebrate.
Wining, dining and dancing to the sounds of Skyrocket were Reggie Smith, Jim Prather, Faith and Lee Majors, Jenny and David Moore, Randa and Charlie Williams, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Wallis Marsh, Tissy and Rusty Hardin, Judy and David Steiner, Kelli and John Weinzierl, Jennifer and David Ducote and Star of Hope CEO Hank Rush.
