The Magic of the Lights Gala attracted a large VIP crowd that bid more than $50,000 for the 29 large decorated trees up for auction.

The final accounting, which will include proceeds from the total of 48 large trees, 40 silent-auction trees, wreathes, stockings, boutique and admission tickets, has not been tallied.

The gala event was held Saturday evening at the Festival of Trees. It was part of the four-day festival that will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley, and it  included a special VIP shopping night, a Jingle Jam dance for teens and general admission for families and residents to view the trees and decor.

“It is so wonderful tonight, we have everyone looking at the beautiful trees. And this year, we have something new — the stockings,” said Anna Ott, Boys & Girls Club of SCV Foundation president. “Everyone is happy and getting into the season.”

The tree that fetched the most at auction was the Grand Sweepstakes-winning tree from Six Flags Magic Mountain Friends “Looney Christmas.” Nearly every guest who entered the Festival of Trees gasped when first seeing the tree, which appeared to topple over. The illusion was courtesy of a special effect from tree designer Donna Bendell.

Jacquie and Harold Petersen and Bonnie and Mike Rabjohn each bid $7,250 for the tree, with the Petersens winning possession of the actual tree.

Bonnie Rabjohn is the new park president of Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor.

Other top tree money-earners were “That’s Entertainment” ($4,250) sponsored by the Draper Family, “Christmas on the Course” ($3,500) sponsored by The Signal and “Go Big Blue” ($3,250) sponsored by Todd and Karen Stevens.

Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase a decorated tree and gifts to be delivered to a needy Boys & Girls Club of SCV.

“I have to really thank the volunteers,” said Jim Ventress, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club. “It’s unbelievable what they’ve done.”

Todd and Karen Stevens served as event co-chairs and Frank Lozano was the gala emcee. Entertainment was provided by the SCV Orchestra and the Young Americans.

Leticia Garcia-Colon, mother of three children who attend the club, Geneva Reyes, Gavin Reyes and Geselle Reyes, spoke about how the club has helped her family and children. Her son Gavin Reyes and daughter Geneva Reyes also spoke to the audience about their club experiences.

“I am so blessed to have the Boys & Girls Club. My husband and I are working parents,” said Garcia-Colon. “When we first moved to Santa Clarita, we didn’t have any affordable place for our children to go (afterschool). I found the Boys & Girls Club to be the best place for my children.They can join a number of activities at the club, including robotics, girls club, leaders in training and mentoring. I know my kids are being well taken care of. Please continue to support the club.”


For more information and photos of the Magic of the Lights Gala see page A11. Boys & Girls Club of SCV,  www.scvbgc.org.