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Thursday, December 4, 2014
Today was a very long and stressful day, the culmination of a short month of planning, meetings and hard work. I can't say enough about the core of dedicated volunteers for Hearts Of Gold who put in tons of hours to bring the Christmas Gala to fruition.
Besides the volunteers we had the immeasurable services of comedian Buddy Winston as MC who single-handedly brought us over the top with the live auction by getting many bids well over the retail value of the items. Our raffles appeared to be well received and we had many happy winners.
Quinta Lucrecia did a superlative job in hosting the event, gracing us with a fabulous meal and supplying the bar staff. They are by far the best venue we have ever worked with.
We had stellar performances by folk artists the Musical Nomads, baritone Umberto Ballone, the Nova School Choir, and Kaitlyn Yancey backed up by the Brian Gary Trio. Santa Claus was a valuable addition to the evening, helping out with delivering raffle items to the winners. I am sure we will have many more photos and videos provided by Bill Riordan and Denton Verkley.
The Hearts Of Gold staff arrived in good spirits despite being shaken up earlier in the afternoon by the Gestapo goons of the SRI (tax people who arrive unannounced, backed by a squad of police and army) who targeted every business in their building. Apparently all the businesses are forced to be closed until Dec 11 as a show of muscle by the despicable SRI.
Regardless of the obstacles we faced, the Hearts Of Gold Christmas Gala presented a quality event that was enjoyed by over 265 happy patrons with big hearts. THANK YOU to everyone for making it a roaring success.
Hope you enjoy the photos. That was the day's excitement, Cheers, Al
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| HoG Xmas Gala Raffle packages 1-2-3 |
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| HoG Xmas Gala Raffle packages 4-5-6 |
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| HoG Xmas Gala Raffle packages 7-8-9 |
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| HoG Xmas Gala Raffle packages 8-9-10 |
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| HoG Xmas Gala 10 Live Auction items |
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| HoG Xmas Gala 10 VIP Raffle packages |
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| This lovely tree was also auctioned and fetched $400 |
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| Star decorations with kids photos |
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| Lovely floral centerpieces were for sale too |
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| Quinta Lucrecia added a few festive touches |
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| Musical Nomads played for the VIP event |
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| Julienne & Brad McKee, the Musical Nomads |
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| Our fabulous comic MC Buddy Winston |
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| Hearts Of Gold office crew |
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| Volunteers Miriam and Franny |
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| Rex was in a festive mood too |
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| Jack and Feral |
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| Denton doing some video work |
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| Joanne & Kevin |
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| Mr & Mrs Claus |
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| Buddy Winston, aided by Courtney & Miriam do the VIP Raffle |
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| Keanna |
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| Baritone Umberto Ballone sounds like Frank Sinatra |
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| Chairman Of The Board Stephanie |
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| Jim & Cindy |
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| Tod & Mary |
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| Mike & Patti |
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| Bill Riordan photographing the Nova School Choir |
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| Buddy had a lot of fun with the kids |
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| Brian Gary was very helpful with all the sound requirements |
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| The kids were a huge hit |
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| One kid was the main soloist |
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| Ecuadorian kids are rarely shy to perform |
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| The kids even helped out with musical instruments |
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| The crowd was getting into the groove with the choir |
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| Courtney & Mom were leading the way |
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| A couple of kids were natural performers |
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| Buddy was having a blast interviewing this guy |
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| Johanna and her novio |
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| Sorry, couldn't resist |
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| Lotis and Keanna |
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| Mary, Hillary and Melinda |
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| Bruce and Buddy share a laugh |
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| Bruce is explaining the history of the gold coin for auction |
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| Canadian Artist Christine Poulin and "Connection" |
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| Colleen, Johanna and Rocio Illescas of Cetap-Lucy Foundation |
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| Lots of happy people enjoying a great meal. |
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| Diane Lenz bought the gold coin at auction |
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| Then she donated it right back to HoG |
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| A great and generous crowd helped HoG stay afloat |
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| What a great Santa Claus! |
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| I want this outfit of his! |
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| Buddy and Santa, a great combo |
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| The Brian Gary Trio gets rocking |
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| The floor never emptied once |
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| Kaitlyn Yancey from the office has a great voice! |
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| The party people hung in until the very end |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #1 |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #2 |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #3 |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #4 |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #5 |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #6 Being insane |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #7 with some better halves |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #8 - a great bunch |
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| The Hearts Of Gold crew - #9 - Our madcaps |
