Edwardo Khawam celebrated his 40th birthday last week at Build a Bear located in Bellevue Square. The last time I remember being at Build a Bear was when my daughter celebrated her 10th birthday – nine years ago.
Edwardo invited his friends for ‘The Making of a Christmas Tree’ party, and in lieu of presents for him, we purchased an animal (bear, cat or dog) to be part of his tree for the O’Christmas Trees Gala Dinner and Auction on Nov. 30 at The Westin in Seattle.
At last year’s event Edwardo’s tree sold for an amazing $50,000!
This is the catalog description of his designer tree: “Years ago, on Christmas Eve, my friend and I decided to bring some cookies to an orphanage in a small Venezuelan town at the top of the Andes Mountains. We arrived at the orphanage door with our cookies to a sea of loving faces. These tiny tots, who had nothing, were so joyful to receive the cookies we brought. It was a very emotional experience, one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. A few months ago, I was watching Toy Story 3 and it brought back the memory of those toy-less kids in the orphanage and the joy on their faces at receiving a gift. I decided to collect toys from my family, friends and neighbors. I asked them to think about a toy that brought them great joy and love. The tree before you is the result! This joyful tree includes 250 toys for children up to age 12, 10,000 jelly beans, and a tree topper that was chosen by a Facebook voting poll.
David Sabey and Tom DuBrul purchased the tree for Providence Senior and Community Services so the residents could enjoy the beauty of the holiday season. All of the toys that Edwardo collected for his tree were donated to Providence Regina House for its annual holiday gathering. Families in need attend this event and receive holiday gifts and food.
Providence O’ Christmas Trees 2011 will be celebrating its 27th year. The gala will be co-chaired for the second year by Medina residents Diane and John Sabey. Diane shares: “For us, children, elderly care, education and healthcare are things that we are really passionate about, that really draw us, and Providence covers all of those.”
Thierry Rautureau, this year’s Presenting Artist and owner of Rover’s and Luc Restaurant will surprise guests with his own unique tree. Past year’s Presenting Artists include Luly Yang, Anna Skibska, Dale Chihuly, Steve Jenson, Scott Ward and JP Canlis.
We have been going to this annual event for the past six years and cannot wait to attend again. All of the three events at the Seattle Westin are the perfect way to kick off the holidays.
Medina residents and event chairs Diane and John Sabey
On Monday, Nov. 28 from noon to 8 p.m. you will be able to see all 15 of the designer trees and have your photo taken with Santa.
On Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the annual Silver Bells Luncheon Fashion Show. Providence Senior and Community Services Special Events Executive Director Patricia Zabo shares: “Our beneficiary, Providence Senior and Community Services, is where it is today – and where it will be tomorrow – because of strong philanthropic support from the community, from our generous donors. The funds we raise change lives, relieve pain and bring hope to the 14,000 people we serve each day. “
Edwardo was able to collect 50 animals, with a goal of 75. If you would like make a donation towards an animal for his tree, or to Providence Senior Community Services, please go to www.providence.org.
Rose Dennis is a Greater Seattle style icon. Singled out by numerous publications, such as Seattle Magazine, she’s been crowned as Seattle’s Best Dressed, a Signature Style Uptown Girl and as a reigning tastemaker.
