Alexandre’s makes holiday spirits brighter with annual wreath auction
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| DECK THE WALLS: All Occasions Florist donated this huge bling-tastic wreath, which is about 4 feet in diameter. (DANIEL A. KUSNER/Dallas Voice) |
A wreath on our door is an ancient custom more than 2,000 years old. During the time of the Roman Empire, wreaths were like earthly halos placed on heads as an award decoration. Gradually wreaths were removed from the head and became wall adornments.
Of course, wreaths are a sacred Christian tradition: Advent wreaths herald the four Sundays before the savior’s birth.
But there are some cool gay wreath traditions. In 1998, gay protesters placed a wreath at an altar inside New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The demonstrators decorated the wreath with the words “Free Sharon Kowalski.” Kowalski suffered a brain-stem injury and her parents wouldn’t let her gay lover care for or visit her.
In Dallas, Alexandre’s Bar started a tradition last year, when they auctioned about 25 wreaths, raising $8,000 for the Resource Center of Dallas, according to owner-manager Lee Daugherty.
On Sunday, Alexandre’s will auction off at least 30 wreaths, but Daugherty expects a last-minute rush and hopes that number will be closer to 35 wreaths. This year’s beneficiary is Legacy House, a cottage located in Oak Cliff that provides hospice care for people with AIDS.
About 15 gorgeous, creative wreaths already adorn the walls at Alexandre’s a dazzling display of tinsel, bows, ornaments and lights. But the grand pooh-bah wreath is the ginormous bling-a-riffic arrangement donated by All Occasions Florist. It’s so damn huge, it gets a wall all to itself.
Looks like Alexandre’s can already count the sophomore auction as a success. Tickets for seating are already sold-out.
HOLIDAY AUCTION
Alexandre’s Bar, 4026 Cedar Springs Rd. Dec. 9. Pre-party,
7 p.m.-8 p.m. Auction, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Hosted by Precious Memories and Kerry Lynn Summers. Catered food, silent bidding. Proper attire encouraged. Tickets $25. Sold out. 214-559-0720
HOLIDAY ADJUSTMENTS CHIRO CHRISTMAS GIVING
Manning Chiropractic has a nifty holiday tradition. For the past three years they’ve been collecting toys and donations for Genesis Women’s Shelter. According to chiropractor Jeff Manning, his donation drive has reeled in hundreds of toys and more than $1,000.
This year’s drive started after Thanksgiving and runs till Dec. 19.
If you’re not already one of Manning’s patients, bring in a toy or gift card and your first visit will only cost $39.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Dec. 15, existing patients can bring in a toy or gift card and get an adjustment for free.
Manning Chiropractic, 2702 McKinney Ave. #202. 214-720-2225.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 7, 2007