Tour, tree festival, and dinner raises $20,000 to renovate ER

WARWICK — If the response to the second annual “Winding Through Warwick” holiday house tour, and its companion “Festival of Trees” and “Twilight Dinner Tour,” is any indication of what to expect next year, then interested parties should make their reservations now. The expanded “Winding Through Warwick” house tour, held Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4, included some of Warwick’s most charming homes, ranging from the historic and traditional to the contemporary and, in some cases the spectacular. They had been decorated by their owners for the holiday season. The event was sold out long before the scheduled dates. For the “Festival of Trees,” beginning on Monday, Nov. 28, trees which had been decorated and donated by local businesses and organizations as well as individuals were on display at Schervier Pavilion. The public was able to vote for their favorite tree. Award categories were best in show, most original, most traditional and best representation of a business. People also had an opportunity to bid on any tree they wished to take home. The “Twilight Dinner Tour” with a cocktail reception, musical entertainment and buffet style dinner was an added feature. Following the dinner, Leah Cerkvenik, executive vice president and administrator of St. Anthony Community Hospital, presented each of the homeowners with a plaque expressing the hospital’s appreciation for their participation. “We raised over $20,000 for the renovation of our hospital’s emergency department,” said Rudy Breedy, director of fund development for the hospital. “And we are already selling tickets for next year.” Breedy spoke at the Warwick Country Club during the dinner tour. “We wish to thank all the members of this year’s Holiday House Tour and Festival of Trees planning committees for their dedication and hard work,” said Cerkvenik. “And we thank all the home owners, sponsors and ticket holders for supporting this event. The generous proceeds will help us renovate our hospital so that we can continue to provide the best possible healthcare for our community.” All proceeds from the “Winding Through Warwick” Holiday House Tour, the “Festival of Trees,” and the “Twilight Dinner Tour” will benefit the emergency department of St. Anthony Community Hospital. The 2005 Holiday House Tour committee was co-chaired by Marge King-Porter and Clara Chudow. Committee members were Rudy J. Breedy, Dolores Freed, Claire Gabelmann, Judy Gleason, Deborah Krol, Jane Madis, Bonni Masi Oswald, and Terry Quint. Deborah Krol chaired the 2005 Festival of Trees committee. Next year’s “Winding Through Warwick” tour has been scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 987-5676.