The Assistance League of the Eastside annual signature fundraiser, “Celebrations,” took place on Friday, Dec. 9, in Kirkland. This year’s chairs were League members Kay Zatine and Susie Hino.
“Celebrations” was a self-guided tour of six unique homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. All proceeds from this annual event will help fund the philanthropic programs of the Assistance League of the Eastside that include Operation School Bell, Assault Survivor Kits, Starting Over Support and Assistance League Outreach. These programs provide new clothing to more than 2,600 students selected by school personnel in the Lake Washington, Bellevue and Northshore school districts; help to restore dignity to survivors of sexual assault with clothing to replace items retained as evidence by the police; and bring comfort to families seeking shelter from domestic violence.
Each of the six homes were decorated with the season’s holiday themes and color palettes, all embracing the beauty of Christmas. Miranda Roberts, VP of communications for the Assistance League shared: “House # 1: Was a twinkling clerestory of modern living; House # 2: 35 bins of décor completed this themed house that included more than 100 Nutcrackers collected over the years; House # 3: Juxtapositioning of contemporary and vintage Holiday collections; House # 4: Tastefully and elegantly decorated, showcasing the view of the Lake; House # 5: Artful designer décor from the ceiling to floor with a wrap-around verandah; and House # 6: Heirloom decor in a classical Lake Washington setting with over 15 decorated trees.”
My favorite decorations were in #6, the lovely waterfront home of Diane and Paul Birkeland. Upon entering, your eyes were immediately drawn to the spiral staircase that was wrapped with garland, ribbons and ornaments on the right, and a small decorator tree placed on top of the piano on the left. Also, two more of the many designer trees were on display. By far, my favorite tree was the Christopher Radko ornament tree in the living room. Every room was beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Rose Dennis writes about events in Bellevue and the Greater Seattle area. She lives in Bellevue.
