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Hospital foundation makes Christmas magical

Now in its 24th year, the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation’s Magic of Christmas returns on Sunday, Nov. 27, at the Lodge at Sonoma. Proceeds from the event will help Sonoma Valley Hospital purchase a state-of-the-art digital X-ray machine to replace 26-year-old X-ray equipment. The festivities begin with the Christmas Wishes Children’s Party from 1 to 4 p.m.

  This family holiday tradition offers seasonal activities such as gingerbread house decorating, a performance by the Keenan Irish Dancers, live bagpipe music by John Noonan, face painting by Popo the Clown, a magic show by Roger Rhoten, balloon twisting by holiday elf Dyani Bachelder and more. Photos with Santa will also be available for $10. The price of admission is $30 for adults or $50 a couple, with children under 15 admitted free.

  This year, the magic continues with a Magical Moments cocktail party with wine, hors d’oeuvres and dancing from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Gene Russo will lead a dance lesson and there will be special appearances by some of the dancers from the foundation’s September “Fall Frolic: Dancing With Our Stars” event. There will also be a theatrical reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by voice-over actor Butch Engle. Tickets are $30 each or $50 a couple.

  Guests at both events are invited to bring a small ornament to contribute to the community tree, a tabletop holiday tree that will represent the spirit of community that makes Sonoma a special place.

  The decorated tree will be one of three raffle prizes to be awarded at the Magical Moments party. The other prizes include a certificate for a five-day, four-night cruise for two to Mexico, the Bahamas or the Western Caribbean and a rare 9L etched bottle of 2003 Kendall-Jackson Highland Estates Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley.

  Raffle tickets are for sale in advance by contacting the foundation office and at the events and cost $10 each or $25 for three. 

  There will also be a small silent auction featuring a handful of custom-decorated tabletop trees. Graphic designer Melissa Stone has donated two unique trees to the auction, including one bedecked in Kidrobot limited edition art toys. A blend of sculpture and pop art, many of Kidrobot's exclusive toys are extremely rare and collectible.

For more information, visit www.svh.com/foundationnews  or contact 935-5070 or hplenty@svh.com.