Annual holiday kickoff gala helps kids

The annual Festival of Trees was held Saturday at the Valencia Hyatt and raised an estimated $107,000 for the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club. More than 300 people attended the event, where professionally decorated trees were auctioned off during a gala dinner/dance.

Guests also purchased more than two dozen “family tree” packages that include dinner and gifts which will be given to club families that might not be able to afford their own holidays.  

“Magic Mountain’s tree was spectacular as usual, with a 9-foot tree coming out of a mountain with skiers, a train set and several villages. Another popular tree was the fireman’s tribute from KHTS with the fire engine, said Suzanne Benty, special events coordinator for the club. “We had a lot of positive comments and people spent a lot of time on the dance floor.”

The money raised will support programming to more than 3,500 local youths at the club. For more information on the SCV Boys and Girls Club, call (661) 254-CLUB or visit their website at www.scvboysandgirlsclub.org.