August 4, 2006

Christmas Spirit in July

Members of the Campbell Carol of Lights Committee save the day at Casino Night

By Jeff Frazee
Times Photojournalist

On the night of July 14 a familiar crowd gathered at Villa Ragusa. The tables were set, and people circulated selling raffle tickets. Slowly it began to dawn on committee members that the casino company they had intended to hire was not there. A series of miscommunications resulted in forgetting to hire the main attraction of the event. “I have to tell you, I was president, and I didn’t follow up,” said Sally Howe.

Guests play poker at a July 14th fundraising event for Campbell's Carol of Lights. Other activities included comedians, a musician, raffles, and an auction. Photos by Jeff Frazee

Howe, publisher of the Campbell Express, is the president of this year’s committee to save the Carol of Lights, the annual Christmas event in downtown Campbell. “This is going to make or break whether or not we have the Carol of Lights. I don’t want to go out and beg this year if I don’t have to.”

Cell phones emerged from pockets and purses as committee members began stepping in to help. To Howe’s delight poker tables were brought in and set up, complete with dealers and a pit boss, within 30 minutes, while a bunko game was set up on the other end of the room. “Campbell people deal with things. They just do,” said Howe. “It’s Campbell. It’s wonderful. It is the most unique community you’re ever going to find.”

Speaking on the importance of the night’s event City Council candidate Evan Low said, “It really brings together community leaders, business folks, and residents. It brings that home-town feel to Campbell.” The event was a success, clearing about $5,000 dollars, not quite one third of the money the committee says they will need for the 2006 Carol of Lights.

Campbell business owner Alan Aerts knows about troubles with Christmas events. His extravagant Christmas decorations were famously banned by the Monte Sereno city council in 2004. When deciding what to do with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of Christmas decorations Aerts said, “We had offers to sell it. Two churches wanted it.” Eventually the decorations were donated, mostly to the city of Campbell. “Campbell was always our first choice,” said Aerts. “It’s the people that make this town.”

Selinda Bem-Shirley did her part to make the Carol of Lights fundraiser a success by running a Bunco game. She had to teach the rules, as most people were newcomers to the game.

In the summer of 2004 the Campbell City Council decided to eliminate the Carol of Lights from its budget in an effort to save more than $34,000 dollars annually. Community members, led by Howe and Aerts, picked up the torch and carried on the tradition.

The 2005 Carol of Lights, staffed by volunteers and funded through donations, was a bigger success than anyone expected. The event featured a snow zone where kids could play and sled, carolers, a petting zoo, street entertainment, and downtown decorations.

With the support of the Campbell community rallying behind the event, the 2006 Carol of Lights also promises to be an exciting success.