Library Tree Lane bigger than ever

By Becky Bosshart

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 | 6:14 p.m.

Despite dour economic conditions, Library Tree Lane was crowded with festive consumers this year. As the final accounting was going on, the fifth-annual library fundraising event at the Paseo Verde Library was expected to hit its $20,000 goal.

"There is so much need in the world, this year more than any other year," said Judy Coco, a retired Henderson resident, who browsed the gift baskets that were auctioned at the Dec. 5 event.

The gala reception attracted about 400 people, which is about a 20 percent increase from last year, Laura Jane Spina, event co-chairwoman, said. The gala was sponsored by Friends of the Henderson Libraries.

Proceeds from the holiday wreath sale and the silent auction of about 140 baskets go to the youth library at the Green Valley Library, which is joining the Henderson Libraries' organization next year. All of the baskets sold by Dec. 8. Organizers collected enough donated items to make 25 more baskets this year than last year.

"I don't think people were spending as much this year, but we did have more people, so that increased the value of the baskets," Spina said.

Baskets contained an eclectic mix of items, from cooking supplies to bath products to books on Nevada lore. Local politicians didn't miss the opportunity to market themselves for a good cause. One basket sponsored by U.S. Rep.-elect Dina Titus, D-Nev., contained a campaign T-shirt and a $50 gift certificate to King's Seafood Co.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's basket included a bottle of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," a mayor bobble-head figure and a certificate for an office visit with Goodman.

Deciding what to bid on was also a dilemma for Warren Harlan and Chris Kronheimer, both of Green Valley. They were most impressed by a vintage Victrola, valued at $375 with a starting bid of $75.

"We've only just begun to look. We've been too busy socializing," said Harlan.

Bonnie Ryan of Henderson was one of 50 volunteers helping at the event. She was most impressed by "the creative energy that went into putting this event together." Holiday decorations festooned every table.

Five decorated trees were donated to Southern Nevada relief organizations Safe Nest, Safe House, the St. Therese Center, HopeLink and the Salvation Army.

Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, also an event honorary co-chairman, said the organizing committee continues to produce an event that grows.

"Plans are to make it bigger and better despite all the economic problems, and we can make that happen," he said.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or [email protected].