Ranch house to host candlelight gala tonight

For a few short weeks out of the year, the Adolfo Camarillo Ranch House becomes a winter wonderland. Inside and out, the home is meticulously decorated with freshly made wreaths, rows of bow-tied garlands, strings of twinkling lights and a Christmas tree dressed top to bottom with delicate ornaments.

The historic home is the scene of tonight's sixth annual Camarillo Ranch Holiday Candlelight Gala.

Susana Reeder, the gala's chair, said nearly 25 volunteers have been working all year to make the evening a success.

With an expected 450 guests, this year's gala is sold out for the first time. Reeder said she was glad to have the event sell out but disappointed that more tickets weren't available, as more people have asked to attend.

Kristin Richey-Herrera, manager of the ranch house, said the organizers hope to raise $60,000-money that will be used to help maintain the home built by Adolfo Camarillo in 1892.

The night's festivities will include dinner, special exhibits, tours of the home and live and silent auctions.

Richey-Herrera said the building operates on a $340,000 annual budget-most of the funds are generated by renting out the threestory house-but the candlelight gala is the home's largest fundraiser.

Special exhibits will include four of the Camarillo family's silver saddles and two of Adolfo Camarillo's riding outfits. The 100-year-old mule barn and the property's 4 1/2 acres of gardens will be lit and decorated. RicheyHerrera said carriage rides across the grounds are expected to be a crowd favorite.

Some of the special auction items include a selection of private catered events at the Camarillo House, golf packages, vacation getaways, a hotair balloon ride, paintings and decor items, sports events tickets, stays at resorts and hotels, and unique gift baskets.

-Daniel Wolowicz