The 10,000 square foot Sand Canyon estate of Wayne and Dianne Crawford was transformed into a holiday wonderland during the 28th Annual Henry Mayo Holiday Home Tour Gala on Friday, December 5, 2008.
Vintage and handmade holiday decor gave the impressive home a cozy feel, which was enjoyed by the 120 guests in attendance. Funds from the event benefit women’s services at Henry Mayo, particularly a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The event combined the traditional home tour and gala to great success, according to Roger Seaver, president and CEO of Henry Mayo. “It’s nice to have the tour and dinner all in one evening, it really works well together,” Seaver said. “The Crawfords are fantastic supporters of the hospital and we appreciate their hospitality.”
Highlights of the tour included a dramatic rock-formation spa and indoor pool festooned with festive wreaths, a roaring fireplace and elaborate bar in the backyard, a giant, lighted Christmas tree in the living room, and gorgeous faux floral arrangements throughout.
”When I heard there wasn’t going to be a home tour, I decided to step forward and offer our home. I hated to see such a great tradition die, so I thought, why not combine the tour with the gala?” said Dianne Crawford. “It’s important to support the hospital in any way we can.”
Guests dined on an elaborate small plate buffet from Salt Creek Grille catering, with delicious dining options that ran the gamut from scallop-topped risotto cakes to meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Salt Creek Grille also donated a wine and martini bar.
“We’re just grateful people could come out and support the Home Tour this year, with times being so rough,” said Julia Hicken, co-president of the Home Tour League. “We’re happy to continue raising funds for the new NICU unit.”
As the evening wound down, guests carried out elegant holiday centerpieces donated by Valencia’s Celebrate, while Greg Amsler, proprietor of Salt Creek Grille and past chair of the Henry Mayo Health Foundation, toured the upstairs theme rooms with wife Chell.
“This is probably our favorite charity event of the year. To have it support the hospital makes it even better,” Amsler said.
For more information on Henry Mayo’s Holiday Home Tour League and annual events, please visit www.henrymayo.com or call 661-253-8051.