Some people already hear those holiday bells ringing in the distance.
For others, the season officially begins on Thursday, Oct. 11 with “Wrap It Up for the Holidays” at beautiful Darlington House, 7441 Olivetas Ave.
Co-chairing the 16th annual benefit are LaVon Skinker and Carol Renstrom of Social Service League of La Jolla. This event benefits low-income retired citizens with meals and pleasant living quarters at League House, built in 1949 to ’55, and the maintenance of Darlington House, a historical site built over a period of time from 1925 to 1940. Committee members Hetty deJong, Gail Forbes, Helen Kimball and Nancy Woods have rounded up an impressive list of vendors. Not all are mentioned due to space.
At the event, shoppers will experience the thrill of purchasing quality handmade items of name recognition, especially in jewelry. Names include Perles du Monde by Ann Craig, Annaliese Cassarino, Laurel Nation Designs, Connie J. Designs; Judy Judy Judy, hand-painted scarves, Fil Fou Fashions and Shakeel’s Concepts and imported beaded purses.
Shoppers will also find items such as hand-carved animals from Bali by Lost Art, aromatherapy pillows and handbags from Georgia Lambron-Bell, and ceramics by Kathryn Redding-Stephens.
Live plants and flowers will be brought by Feather Acres Farm, while Living Silks will be taking care of those who like silk floral arrangements. Vintage Sachets will include crystal purses and boxes in its array and Impeccable Taste from Escondido will whet our appetites.
At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., shoppers will enjoy the whiffs of a food demonstration presented by chef Bernard Guillas of The Marine Room and chef Augie Saucedo of The Shores restaurant. A Christmas tree and decorations will be shown by Anseth Richards of Creative Occasions. Customers will have a brunch of hors d’oeuvres by California Cuisine of San Diego and Culinary Concepts of San Diego will serve mini-pancakes with assorted syrups.
With its vendors, Darlington House is transformed into a cozy village in Europe where shoppers may revel in a moment of serenity with the fountain waters, bright-colored tiled patios and a large rose garden. The Spanish, Moorish, Egyptian and English architectural influences are delicately balanced with Darlington’s arches, broad beams and carved columns. Obscured from the street is a majestic, tall door without doorknobs on the north entrance of the library. Above it is an enormous crest, symbolic of grandeur.
Of historic interest is the fact that in 1927, a group of women from St. James Episcopal Church of La Jolla formulated a Social Service Committee and led a group of choirgirls to participate in charitable projects in the community that extended to making donations to Neighborhood House in East San Diego. In 1929, during the Depression, they devoted themselves to giving food baskets, clothing and home items to needy local residents.
Because there were more non-church members on the committee, with the vestry blessing it became Social Service League of La Jolla in 1932. Currently some ladies from St. James serve on the committee. It has become a viable organization whose goals are to serve the senior citizens at League House and maintain the beauty and charm of Darlington House by hosting this event, weddings and other social functions that provide a source of income for League House.
The Oct. 11 event is by invitation only, which can be obtained by calling Helen Kimball, (858) 459-7270. Tickets in advance are $25, $30 at the door. “Wrap It Up for the Holidays” runs from 10 a.m. through 3:30 p.m.