Early in the morning on Saturday, March 15, I wasn’t quite sure how Peter Cottontail and his friends, Spiderman, the Tooth Fairy, Elmo and Batman were going to make their way to the Elks Lodge due the heavy down pour of rain.

The one thing I was sure of is that Peter and his friends would be there even if they had to come by boat. There was no way in the world that they would disappoint all of the children scheduled to attend this year’s annual event hosted by the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. But as luck would have it the rain stopped and the sun came out and Peter Cottontail was able to hop to the event as planned.

Attendees Rebecca, Emma, Harry and Kate Pardoe, Juliette Moss, Bryan and Kyle Plumley, Kaelly and Emily Nord, Lynda Craig, Tina and Ryleigh Freeman were greeted with the colors of spring as lavender and pink tulips in gorgeous pastel-colored pots flanked the doors as guests made their way into the lodge. Inside, the countless volunteers worked their magic ensuring that the venue was beautifully decorated with balloons, miniature bunnies, flowers and more, welcoming everyone.

Robin Dagunno attended the event with her mother Linda Gillette and her beautiful twin daughters Irelynn and Darienne. Young friends Emily Paul and Autumn Holcomb were adorable in their spring dresses with white patent leather shoes and their exquisitely done hair.

Peter Cottontail was able to depend on his always faithful helpers Rory Hanson, Jack Selvage, Corky Cornwell and Jeff Glavich. The guys were such good sports donning bunny ears and handing out Easter eggs to all of the children.

Once inside, the children had tons of fun things to do in addition to shopping the live and silent auction tables for that must have item. The live and silent auction tables held gems such as a beautiful, one-of-a-kind necklace by local artist Yanni Stefanakis, a Disney Princess basket, a piece of pottery by local potter Cathy Ray Pierson, a pair of earrings by Holly Yashi and much, much more. Two-year-old Everett Glavich may have been the envy of many after winning the much sought after Hannah Montana basket.

Four balloon artists kept the children delighted and happy. Lucky Kate Plumley watched as Two Tone the clown made her a bird as mom Kim Floyd beamed with pride.

After playing games and bidding on items, attendees Blake, Lucas, and Brooke Vogt, Zoey Butch, Mary Theuerkauf, Amanda and Kyndel Harpe, Brianna Ellis, Carlee and Melissa Young sat down for a relaxing and delicious lunch that included a fresh garden salad, mini pizzas, tater tots, chicken and rice, and for dessert ice cream and cookies.

Event chairperson, Mary Glavich was pleased with the sold out event. She credited much of the success to the support of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation and her hard working committee. Mary said, “I would be happy to chair the event again, if I have the same great committee.” This year’s proceeds will go to the Pediatric Healing Environment at St. Joseph Hospital.

Every year this event continues to get better and better and I never tire of hearing the squeals as the children encounter Peter Cottontail and his friends. Happy Easter!

About Town provides lively coverage of Humboldt County’s social events, style, galas, charity events, hot property, restaurants and other happenings about town. Paulette Hawkins can be reached at abouttown@eurekareporter.com. Opinions expressed in columns do not necessarily represent the views of The Eureka Reporter or its staff.