A whole lot of ‘new’ in this year’s Festival of Trees; professional auctioneer, wine tasting, and a new Ted Soares’ show

An Indian head bronze by noted sculptor William Sharles (valued at $2,500). A scenic flight for three on Westwind Aviation. A Mexican fiesta dinner for eight complete with decorations and margaritas. A selection of handmade birdhouses from island woodworkers.

CATS’ annual Festival of Trees “20 Magical Years” is brimming with generously donated auction items — and a lot of new elements to the holiday celebration.

A benefit for San Juan Community Theatre, the gala — which features live entertainment, gourmet wines, and silent and live auctions — is Dec. 5, beginning at 5 p.m.

This year, more than 40 live-auction items will be offered as auctioneer April Brown and her team from Seattle’s Charity Auction World promises a festive and lively event inside the Whittier Theatre.

Brown is a professional auctioneer, fund-raising expert, inspirational speaker and publisher with more than 17 years of experience in the world of charity auctions. She’s the founder of Charity Auction World and the author of “The Foundation — The Secrets to Conducting a Successful Charity Auction.”

She’s been called “A powerhouse of on-stage talent and business expertise.”

Live-auction items are available for viewing online at www.sjctheatre.org. Silent auction items will be available for viewing at the theater Dec. 1-4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Eastern Washington’s Milbrandt Vineyards will not only provide the featured wines for the auction and entertainment event, but one of its founders will be on hand to share samples of the vineyards’ rare Estates & Legacy wines.

In addition, the company will offer a live auction item for a special winery tour at Milbrandt’s newly-opened tasting room in Prosser, featuring a harvest lunch for six and a chance to participate in hand-harvesting the grapes.

Roche Harbor Executive Chef Bill Shaw, who coordinates the wine and gourmet appetizers for Festival of Trees, says the addition of Milbrandt Vineyards is very exciting for the island.

“We usually don’t get wine tastings for more than 50 people here. Three hundred people will have the chance to sample this great wine together at the Festival of Trees,” Shaw said.

Milbrandt’s 2007 Estates Late Harvest Riesling won the Double Gold Award in the 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Festival of Trees begins at 5 p.m. with the wine and appetizers and a silent auction. Guests will move to the Whittier Theatre for entertainment produced by Ted Soares and a lively auction led by professional auctioneer Brown.

All proceeds from the event benefit the San Juan Community Theatre. Tickets are $75 per person. Call CATS at 378-3211, ext. 32 for reservations

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