Olympic Theatre Arts has announced the third-annual “O’Tannenbaum Affair,” its major fundraising event of the year with all proceeds to benefit the community theatre.
This two-day extravaganza at the OTA Center, 414, N. Sequim Ave., features 10 professionally decorated holiday trees in a variety of theatrical themes.
The event kicks off with an open house from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Admission is free and visitors will be treated to light refreshments while viewing the trees and will be asked to vote for their favorite, which will be awarded the “People’s Choice” honor.
A buffet supper will also be offered that evening for $20 per person with service from 5-6:30 p.m. The buffet will feature meat and vegetarian lasagnas, salad, and dessert. Tickets may be purchased in advance or during the open house as available.
The main “Affair” commences on Saturday, Nov. 18, with a champagne reception at 5 p.m. and featuring live entertainment followed by a formal dinner catered by The Cedars at Dungeness. A live auction and additional entertainment will follow in the main stage venue.
“We’ve added a lot more theatre to this year’s event,” stated Heidi Hansen, co-chair for the event. “And there are many more treasures on the auction list, including decorated wreaths, entertainment and travel packages and one of a kind opportunities.”
“I am so proud of all of our designers,” Elaine Caldwell, chair of the design committee, said. “This year they have really outdone themselves.
“One of the themes is a tribute to Mary Poppins,” Caldwell added. “The tree — sponsored and designed by employees of First Federal Savings and Loan — uses all hand-made ornaments.”
According to Caldwell, another must-see tree is one entitled, “The Sewing Room Fairy Godmother,” designed by costume designer, Richard Stephens, and sponsored by Blake Sand and Gravel.
Caldwell added that the tree will sport “an evergreen ‘tutu’ classic ballet bodice and be laden with sewing room notions.”
A third tree, decorated by Gary Ash and Earl Wilson, is entitled “Coming of Age,” said Caldwell. The tree is the creators’ twenty-first tree decorated for the non-profit event and will likely be a favorite. (Sequim Family Dentistry are the sponsors). Using bubble lights, vintage ornaments, and popcorn garland, this tree will “surely evoke nostalgia. At its base will be a Lionel electric train,” Caldwell noted.
Other designers include Tami Breitbach, Laurie Davie, Judie Lawson, Rhonda Raymond, Cindy Teitzel, Robin Booker, Sheena Younger, Bambi Lowell and Trisa Chomica.
Reservations for the Saturday evening “Affair” are available at $75 per person with limited seating. Interested guests are asked to visit the OTA website at olympictheatrearts.org to complete an online RSVP form.
About OTA
Olympic Theatre Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 1980. Funds raised during this event are used to support the ongoing OTA mission “to entertain, educate and inspire community involvement through experiences in the arts.”
In addition to providing a full season of theatre for the community, OTA also offers year round children’s theatre curriculum and outreach programs with other organizations such as Sequim Ballet, the Olympic Peninsula Men’s Chorus, Clallam Mosaic and the Story Tellers of Clallam County, all designed to further enrich the community.
The OTA business office is open 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached by calling 360-683-7326.
The event is made possible each year by the generous donations of local sponsors. This year’s sponsors include: Blake Sand and Gravel, Lynda Cronin, D.A. Davidson, Richard Davies Dentistry, Everwarm Hearth and Home, First Federal, Sequim Family Dentistry, Sequim Health and Rehabilitation, 7 Cedars Casino and Zbaraschuk Dental Care.
The additional sponsors supporting the other holiday items for auction include Sharon and Del DelaBarre, Jon Jack State Farm Insurance and Sound Community Bank.
