Door prize winners at the holiday luncheon; front row from left: Candice Allen and Sue Gunter. Back row: Sherri Martinez, Maryellen Farmer, Carol Allen, Lina Brandow, Sue McGlothlen and Eileen Zuarri. Photo by Eileen Sykora
Janice Pell
It was a day of merriment, joyous music and fun as The Women of Quail Creek gathered in the Crystal Ballroom in mid-December for their annual holiday luncheon. Dressed in holiday attire, the ladies arrived in fine spirits. In the ballroom, the lights were dim and the tables sparkled, lit by silvery twinkling trees festooned by blue and white glass birds atop silver wrapped packages. Sandi Beach and her decorating team created a silver, white and blue winter wonderland for the 236 attendees. Party favors at each place were glass bird tree ornaments that had been lovingly created by members of the Quail Creek Art Glass Club who worked on them all year.
Special guests at the event were Honor Flight Coordinator Kathy Mansur, Barbara Gavre, Arizona Air National Guard and Fran Muller who knitted 181 hats and scarves for the TWOQC clothing drive for homeless veterans.
After a delicious lunch there was raspberry cobbler from a recipe by Janice Swain in TWOQC cookbook for dessert and then it was time for the highlight of the party – entertainment by Mariachi Atzlan de Pueblo. Dressed in colorful authentic mariachi costumes, the talented young high school men and women gave a fantastic performance that had the women on their feet dancing in the aisles. During one number a Conga line even snaked through the tables. At the end of the program the ladies were invited to sing Feliz Navidad along with the group. This was the third time Mariachi Atzlan has performed for a TWOQC holiday luncheon; such is their popularity with the group.
The centerpieces were given to one lucky winner at each table; the winner being determined by the reading of a poem that had members passing a Christmas ball back and forth around the table. Red Poinsettias were given as door prizes.
Everyone left filled with the spirit of the season. Thank you to everyone involved in helping with the luncheon. It always takes many individuals working together, often behind the scenes, to make a memorable and special event. TWOQC thanks the Quail Creek waitressing and kitchen staff for consistently doing an outstanding job.
To view photo and videos of the event, visit the TWOQC website at womenqc.com.