Nativity scenes to benefit homeless





More than 500 Nativity scenes will be on display from Fri. through Sun., Dec. 9 to 11, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2304 Antonio Ave., Camarillo. The exhibit, “No Room at the Inn,” is being mounted for the 13th year to raise funds to help the homeless shelter programs of Ventura County.

The grand opening gala is from 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9 in the church hall. Hors d’oeuvres and dessert will be served and live entertainment will include the Trinity Handbell Choir, bagpiper Mike Reynolds, the Flauto Badinage flute ensemble, and pianists Evan Jacquias and Justin Ramos.

A silent auction will include festive baskets, an authentic New England lobster dinner for two and one full week at a condo in Estepona, Spain. For admission to the gala, a donation of $20 in advance or $25 at the door is requested.

Exhibit hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. and Sun., Dec. 10 and 11. Donations are $5 for adults and $1 for children. A children’s corner with take-home crafts, a Nativity scene dress-up and backdrop for photos and other activities will be available. The Welsh Choir of Southern California will make a special appearance at 4 p.m. on Saturday. According to event organizersthe goal of “No Room at the Inn” is to highlight the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving. In the 12 years since the evenbegan, the group has given more than $116,000 to programs for the homeless in Ventura County.

Representing more than 60 different countries and culturesthe Nativity scenes are made from a wide range of materials including fine porcelain and china, cut crystal and pressed glass, carved olive wood from the Holy Land, hand-shaped clay and embroidered and quilted wall hangings.

Some of the most unique collections include a tiny set made of marbles, one of driftwood gathered from the beach and a Nativity scene painted on a cookie. Small dressed Teddy bears and tiny mice represent whimsical examples of the Christmas story. About 50 individuals from the community will share their collections.

Anyone wishing to exhibit Nativity scenes may call Karen or Bob Phipps at (805) 495-9567. For more information regarding the event, call Nora Howells at (805) 807-1088, Judy Crenshaw at (805) 469-5717 or visit www.noroom.org.


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