2014 Holiday Wine Tasting, Decadent Desserts, & Festival of Trees Nov 22

We had a blast decorating and setting up last night (more pictures below)! I've had the best committee and volunteers one could possibly ask for in planning and executing this event, I can't even begin to express how grateful I am! We've had some serious kinks tossed our way (losing our venue 18 days out, wineries canceling at last minute due to weather, etc), yet persevered and overcame to organize what will be, I think, a fantastic event!

I'd like to personally thank the Holiday Wine Tasting Planning Committee without whom none of this could've come about:
Melissa Baker from Gerou & Associates
Janice Brooks of Brooks Place Tavern, and our Fabulous Presenting Sponsor!
Julie Dikken of Macaroni Kid: Bailey, Conifer, Evergreen
Lori Frease from Evergreen Christian Outreach
Kim Lange from Mountain Hearth & Patio
Melanie Swearengin, our brand new Executive Director
Kayla Vella from Splintered Forest
Jolene Vollmuth of Keller Williams Avenues Realty

A special thanks to Angela Bassano, Community Servant, from the Rotary Club of Conifer for all of her hard work running around town requesting & gathering silent auction items, cataloging them, and getting receipts to everyone. Also to Dave Erramouspe of Starfish Ads for all of the gorgeous artwork and print ads he's created. And to Lisa & Russ Puls for generous ad space in Score Foothills and Quality Connections, helping us get to 100,000+ homes! All of our sponsors make this happen, please thank them!

To the volunteers who helped last night and are coming tonight - you are all amazing!
Brad Huddleston and Kayla Vella for picking up and prepping the Christmas trees - it's nice to have professionals on deck!

Lance & Melanie Swearengin - thank you for bring extra tables, we were definitely in need!

John Ellis - for agreeing to emcee because we know you'll make it fun and entertaining!

Julie Dikken - not only came and decorated her own beautiful (delicious looking) tree, but a few more for us!

Sean Thomas, Gina, and others from Evergreen Newspapers, and Angie & Nicky from Nancy Staub State Farm Insurance for the same - putting in extra effort helped so much!

Denise Patrick - helped set up tables, and helped me and my munchkins decorate the My Mountain Town Broncos tree - it wouldn't be half as beautiful without her help!

Lori Frease - this woman is amazing. She brought a gorgeous centerpiece, tables, helped decorate and clean, arranged for use of the EChO delivery truck for us to use delivering trees on Sunday, and has been a steady guiding hand when things got crazy. Thanks Lady!

Scott Zorno & Kelly Trilk - for doing the jobs no one ever wants to do: parking duty and tree delivery. You are good, good men.

Yvonne Ludwig, Dave & Carol Mazza, Deb Hayes, Stan & Patty Foxx, Dave Erramouspe, Shelley Turkington, Davis Linden, Steve & Janiece Gallup, Jack Vollmuth, Tony & Janet Perry, Richard Purdy & Peggy McNulty - thank you, thank you, thank you!

Janice Brooks - you are a goddess. Not only for sponsoring this, but coordinating silent auction donations with Angela, putting together bid sheets, and getting the fantastic trips and sports memorabilia/artwork. You've ordered the wine glasses and done so much more that helped [keep me sane]. Thank You!

Last, but not least, the Woman herself, Melissa Baker. My mentor in all things event coordinating, Logistic goddess, sounding board, ideas woman, creative genius, and the hardest working person I know. I'm honored to call you friend and have the opportunity to work with you!

A round of applause for all!!!!

Conifer Physical Therapy Tree:


Stagedoor Theatre Tree:


Stagedoor Close-up:


Conifer Chamber Tree Decorated by Shawn Porter:


Nancy Staub State Farm Insurance Tree:


Evergreen Newspapers, Designing Spirits, & Stagedoor Theatre Trees:


Making Money Origami:


First Bank Money Tree:

The only tree without white lights: the My Mountain Town Broncos Tree. -




One of my favorite ladies: Luna's Mandala with her tree!


Our sponsor (yes, they serve good wine, not just beer, too!)