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When the High Heels and Handcarts Auction has closed its tent flap for the last time, everyone wondered, “what can CSR do to top that spectacular event?” We thought about doing a 50’s Sock Hop or a 60’s Love In, or a 70’s Disco Party. But we decided to go back even further ---
Back to the 1940’s for a World War II Victory Party!
 The first WWII Victory Party was held on May 6, 2006 and then repeated for a second year on May 5th, 2007. Our location was at the A1 Party & Event Rentals warehouse on Front and Second streets in Covina. A1 generously donated use of their facilities and, being a long time supporter of Operation Santa Clothes, was excited about being involved in the project. The large warehouse was decorated to resemble a 1940’s aircraft hangar with camouflage, sandbags, and period artifacts. Shuttles delivered guests to the gate from the nearby Metrolink parking structure. Those with 1940’s (or older) vehicles got premium parking at the site. Costumes were  encouraged and most people wore either military gear or period clothing to add to the effect and enjoyment. Passing through the guardhouse at the gate, you presented your “War Bond” ticket for entry, or bribed the guards with an on-the-spot donation for safe passage into the hangar.
The warehouse was sectioned off into four main rooms: The Pacific Theater, the European Theater, the British Pub, and the USO Canteen. Unlimited food, beer, wine and champagne came with admission but you could also buy “Ration Coupons” for gaming action, liquor, fine wines and other premium services.
 Once inside the building and being handed a glass of Champagne, you initially come to the Pacific Theater. Camouflage netting and mood lighting are the backdrop for huge amounts of palm trees and tropical decor. Seafood vendors and our famous 6” shrimp are complemented by a tropical bar serving high octane libations. Entertainment is provided by the lovely hula dancers and a  maybe a strolling ukulele. You can also view dozens of silent auction items that are located in each room. For the macho minded, there’s an Island Grenade Toss game where you can earn raffle tickets with a good arm.
Continuing down the tree and bench lined “Champs d’Elysees”, you come to the European Theater. Here you can view WWII memorabilia along with more  silent auction items. If you’re still hungry you can try European fare from the vendors there or try a Continental Pizookie for your sweet tooth. Pour a glass of fine vintage grapes at the Wine Tasting booth or for a quicker kick, stop at the Martini Bar. Once you’re loosened up, you may want to try your shooting skills at the paintball Allied Arcade, otherwise known as “Shoot The Fokkers”. Earn  those raffle tickets while clearing the Axis from the skies.
It isn’t easy to make a huge warehouse look warm and cozy but the British Pub does that with great decor and an inviting bar. Settle down for a soothing pint of  BJ’s Microbrew and have a sandwich or a few pretzels. The Gin & Tonic Bar also makes for a mellow time and helps you sharpen your aim at the Victory Dart and Poker Dart games. Check out more silent auction items and take a break here before you move on to...
The USO Canteen. The ultimate image of a place where good times could be had even during the worst of times. Back in the 40’s it was a refuge for both  military and civilians. Here you can dance the night away or just sit back and listen to the excellent 20 piece Big Band Theory (musicians from JPL) providing the great music to take you back 60 years. A huge parachute hangs over the dance floor where young and old alike shake their swing things. Wander past the food vendors and the chocolate fountain and truffles to get to Churchill’s Cigar Lounge. Here you can sit back on a sofa and have a snifter of Cognac or Brandy while you sample a great stogie or two. Once the silent auctions have closed, the big ticket basket auctions take off on stage. While deliberately much smaller in size than our past auctions, the high quality items encourage hot bidding action and happy auction winners. Afterward, as the band then continues on, guests seem to agree that this has been one of the most phenomenal events they’ve been to and can’t wait to do it again some day.
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To introduce the new WWII Victory Party, we’ve put together a short, 12 minute video presentation. The video provides a good lead-in to the Party with an historic look at the background of Rotary, CSR, the Auction and then gives some clues as to what we’re doing with the Victory Party. Since this was produced BEFORE we had the Party, we had to simulate what it would look like. Hence, there’s a walkthrough of the location before we decorated it with our plans superimposed over it. NOTE: The file is VERY large and it’s only recommended for those with high speed Internet connections (DSL, CABLE, T1). 
