Since 2000, ACT for MS has held an annual celebrity Christmas Tree auction to benefit the tremendous work they do in providing free services for Coachella Valley residents stricken with multiple sclerosis.
Among the beautiful trees, was one donated by Barry Manilow, which the lovely Judy Allen bid on and won. She could have shipped it to her own home to enjoy, after all she’d done her part for the greater good, but instead she gave true meaning to a “gift that keeps on giving”.
Barry Manilow Christmas Tree
The tree now stands in the lobby of Palm Desert’s magnificent Bighorn Country Club, where once again it’s being auctioned, this time for the “Bighorn College of the Desert Scholarship Program” which Judy and her husband Jim began for Bighorn employees and their families, awarding them the opportunity to attend classes at COD. Again, Judy is placing bids to keep raising the amount donated until the auction ends on Saturday December 10th at 5pm.
Three or so years ago, the couple spearheaded additional curriculum at the college, one subject being English as a second language with classes held at Big Horn so employees can attend during the work day. Many of the students are greens keepers. Over 60 have graduated and gone on to attain AE and Master’s degrees, allowing them to move up in management within the Big Horn community.
Then Judy shares a goose-bump worthy story that touches my heart with hope; with diligence and hard work, a 72 year old gentleman proudly graduated from the program. His family; children and grandchildren were present at an on-site celebration. He’d inspired one of his grandchildren that anything is possible, she too could enroll in college one day,
Judy, a beautiful lady inside and out, smiles as she waves off the sincere compliment I give about her generosity, “enough people don’t know about the work you do”. Notoriety is not why she does it. We share the same opinion that Barry Manilow also does amazing humanitarian work for the Valley and beyond, but like Judy, it’s done quietly, not for a headline!
Our attention goes back to the tree, the initial reason I made the trip to Palm Desert. But as Judy moves things out of the way for an unobstructed photo, my mind can’t help but drift to another reason I’m grateful to Barry Manilow, one that goes beyond his music. Because of my admiration for him, I’ve had the honor of meeting people, who just as he does, makes the world a better place, which in turn inspires me to be a better person.
The theme of his gorgeous tree is “A Copacabana Christmas Fantasy”.
“A Copacabana Christmas Fantasy”
Based on the famous songs story, it could have been ornately adorned with whimsical fan-fare. Instead the playfulness is elegantly wrapped in sophisticated silver and white splendor, which brings to mind a star filled sky with moonlight glistening on freshly fallen snow. Main character “Lola” takes her place with fluffy white “feathers in her hair” that reach to the trees top.
Her name is Lola…
Shimmery snowflakes that adorn the silky, white, feathery trimmed skirt, peek between silver packages, holding cd’s, dvd’s, t-shirts and other Manilow goodies.
Tree skirt detail
“The “Manilow” giftsl
The fact Barry designed the tree didn’t surprise me as it reflects his refined, elegant personality and unearths yet another layer of his artistic abilities.
Over the course of two days, Doctor of Dentistry, Rene’ Dell’Acqua and her husband Joe Fleischaker meticulously decorated the tree to breathtaking perfection, bringing the concept to life.
In the center of the lobby, stands another tree. Toys, stuffed animals, bikes and packages surround it. Judy’s eyes sparkle with joy as she tells me in a few days the entire lobby will be covered with gifts that Santa will distribute to children whose families are going through some rough times. Every child deserves a happy Christmas, thanks to people who care, they’ll have one.
Tree with presents from Santa
As we say goodbye, before rushing off in our own directions, I’m honored to have finally met this great lady who until now was a cyber friend on FaceBook. She’s reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas and that for fact, there are wonderful people in this world. The joy of the season makes me warm in spite of the chilly wind.
If I happen to hit a financial windfall, I’ll go back and place a winning bid on Barry’s tree. Though I’d love to keep it - I’d probably have it up all year - I’d follow Judys lead and auction it for another cause. Who knows how far the “magic of Manilow” could go. Like his music, it’s a “gift of love” that keeps on giving!
Isabella
How inspiring. Don’t care for “chain letters”; but a “chain tree” - WOW!