December 7, 2004 > A Little Holiday Magic - The Magical Forest

by Nitasha Sharma

Just in time for the holiday season, the Fremont Symphony Orchestra hosted its Fifth Annual Magical Forest benefit. The proceeds from the event went toward both the Fremont Symphony Orchestra and the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation Trees of Angels.

The event was held on November 19 at the Washington Hospital West and began with a cocktail and champagne celebration and Christmas tree auction. Fremont Symphony Orchestra Maestro, David Sloss, auctioned off the first tree. In true holiday spirit, local designers worked meticulously to create Christmas tree masterpieces. From Tinkerbell to red, white and blue themes, there was a tree to brighten everyone's holiday season. On the 20th, the main day of the event, festivities began at 2 p.m. with an informal social hour. Local vendors contributed items to sell in a Village Holiday Shoppe. Additional trees were raffled off to lucky event goers who shopped to the tune of the Ron Deeter Jazz Trio Ensemble. The event concluded with a delicious sit-down lunch.

"The event was a real success," said Magical Forest Chairperson, Matt Dickstein, "It was great to see the community come together to support the Fremont Symphony and Washington Hospital." As the Symphony's major fundraiser, the Magical Forest event helped pay for instrument rentals and part of the 40 musicians' salaries.

For more information on the Magical Forest, contact the Fremont Symphony Orchestra at (510) 794-1659, or visit their website at www.fremontsymphony.org. For information on the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation Trees of Angels, call (510) 791-3428.