Designer Holiday Decorations for the Georgetown Jingle 2009

Designed to Fight Childhood Cancer

Fourteen diverse and talented designers participated this year in the Georgetown Jingle, a notable cause that they are all honored to be a part of.  The Georgetown patients of Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program will benefit from their support and hard work ensures that families facing cancer will have brighter holidays to come.

The designer’s magnificent holiday trees are on display at the Four Seasons in Washington DC, are infused with warmth and spirit, and overflowing with creativity and imagination.  The trees will be auctioned off for this great charity.  I am very happy to report that at least two of the trees have already been sold prior to the big event that will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC, Sunday December 13, 2009.

Each designer was touched even more so, for this year they were each paired with a young cancer patient. Its motivation is evident; every tree seems to capture the essence of each child’s individuality.

Below are just three of the designers and some of their thoughts on creating magnificent trees for this wonderful cause.

First up, the team  for David Iatesta:

 

Just as David Iatesta’s team put the finishing touches on their striking driftwood tree, a doctor who is regular VIP guest of the Four Seasons wanted to know which tree was the most expensive.  Dr. Alexander Karp of Palantier Technologies then purchased the tree for $15,000 in which he generously donated back to be given to the young patient or to display at the hospital to be enjoyed.

Matt Quinn the lead designer for the driftwood tree is Iatesta’s chief executive officer, said the tree took 500 man hours to construct.  The tree is assembled from driftwood collected throughout the summer on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.  The perfect trunk for the tree came from a 9-foot-long salvaged cedar log that had been wonderfully weathered to a silvery gray.  It is strung like one of Iatesta’s exquisite chandeliers, using $3,000 worth of European crystal, and lit with the help of 20 battery packs hidden under the tree skirt.

Next,

   

Gloria de Lourdes Blalock of Blalock Interiors tree “Let There be Light”.

Gloria says,“This title provides the association I have always felt is inherent between the words ‘light’ and ‘hope.’  For if we shed light on the issues associated with finding a cure for cancer, then we have equally put hope in the hearts of many. The many individuals that make the Georgetown Jingle such a success are doing just this. They are all pillars of light carrying the hopes for a cure in their tireless efforts to fundraise for this amazing event”.   ‘Let There Be Light’ and in its wake leave a trail of hope for the smiling faces and the tender hearts of our young heroes it has chosen to enlighten!”

Gloria’s source of inspiration for her tree, Eliza.  “She is a beautiful and brave little girl who battled with Lymphoma when she was only weeks old. Today, thanks to the care of doctors, such as Dr. Aziza Shad at Georgetown University Hospital, Eliza is a healthy little girl whose cancer has been confirmed to be in full remission”. 

Gloria’s tree has been sold to a generous gentleman who purchased the tree she designed last year.  He is so impressed with Gloria, her talent, her spirit and enthusiasm that he purchased the tree sight unseen.

Gloria’s tree showcases some of the holiday décor available from Pottery Barn on a beautiful ten foot Sugar Pine tree.

Last but not least, 

  

Lynni Megginson of L&M Designs “Aspen Holiday” stunning tree is all about her adorable patient  she was paired with, Nicholas.  “Nicholas loves Christmas, he loves everything about Christmas and has the magic of Christmas in his heart. I wanted to evoke the dream of what Christmas would be – all the winter elements, combined with the fact that the tree is done in his honor”.  “Nicholas is one of the bravest little boys I have ever met. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 1 ½.  I took the spark in Nicholas’ eyes and translated it into a tree design that truly evokes the magic of a Traditional Christmas”.

Snow covered branches and bird nests, oversized sugar pine cones and puffy snowflake ornaments with yards and yards of plaid ribbon garland, iced twig clusters and festive holly stems all in a traditional red and green palette.

About Georgetown Jingle:

In 2006, the Georgetown Jingle was created by the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, JDS Designs, Inc., The Washington Design Center, and the Georgetown BID to raise money for pediatric oncology programs in the Washington DC Metro area. Thanks to the generosity of area businesses, restaurants, and design professionals, the Georgetown Jingle has raised $970,000 for the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Blood & Marrow Transplantation Program at Georgetown University Hospital.
The purpose of this family-friendly event is to celebrate the fashions of the holiday season and to support families battling cancer.  Support will be extended in 2009 to include Georgetown Hospital’s pediatric bone marrow transplantation program & their Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program, both led by Dr. Aziza Shad.

The Event:

Please come out for a fabulous cause,  purchase tickets  for the great event to the Georgetown Jingle Sunday December 13th 2009 from 4:00- 8:00 pm at the Four Seasons in Georgetown.

To read  about all the  designers and the wonderful trees they have created for such a great cause, please visit Washington Spaces Blog and Home and Design for more. 

Thank you to all your work and generosity in making the holiday season special.