December 17, 2004

Dolce Hayes Mansion reintroduces itself, reaches out for the holidays

By Shari Kaplan
Staff Writer

It was one of the Edenvale neighborhood’s best-kept secrets, but with the coming of the holidays has come the time for Dolce Hayes Mansion (DHM) to reintroduce its mansion, conference center, hotel and spa to the community.

What opened to the public in 1994 as the Hayes Renaissance Center is now operated, following a rocky few years in search of continued investor funding, by Dolce International, a 23-year-old corporation specializing in the conference center and hospitality industry.

Several San Jose City Councilmembers visited the Dolce Hayes Mansion on Dec. 2 to learn of its plans to give back to the community. Joining DHM director of sales and marketing Kelly O. Commerford, far left, and DHM general manager Cedric Fasbender, far right, are, from left, Forrest Williams (District 2, which includes Edenvale), Cindy Chavez (District 3), Judy Chirco (District 9), Linda J. LeZotte (District 1) and Chuck Reed (District 4).

Dolce took over the historic South San Jose mansion this past spring, but waited until December to step out in style. And now, taking its cue from the season of giving, the mansion is getting involved in the community and is encouraging its visitors to do the same.

On Dec. 2, DHM’s director of sales and marketing Kelly O. Commerford, general manager Cedric Fasbender and chef Steven Parker unveiled a “village” of 28 gingerbread schoolhouses in the mansion’s lobby. The tempting treats are the handiwork of third and fourth grade students from schools throughout the greater San Jose area, who learned the art of edible carpentry during visits from DHM chefs, lead by Parker.

The houses are also part of a silent auction fundraiser to benefit the Healthy Kids Program, which provides low-cost comprehensive healthcare coverage to uninsured children and teenagers in Santa Clara County. Each house’s opening bid is $25; bidding increments are the same amount. Visitors particularly impressed with a house that does not yet have bids can also pledge $100 to “buy it now.” Whether obtained through bidding or buying, the houses remain in the mansion’s holiday display until Dec. 22, when their new owners can take them home.

DHM’s Giving Tree is another example of decor that doubles as a do-gooder. The festive tree is trimmed with children’s “wish tags” tucked inside stocking ornaments. Each gift wish is from a child whose family belongs to the Edenvale Roundtable Community Center or the Immigrant Program of Morgan Hill. DHM has teamed up with these two community nonprofits to provide presents for needy children who otherwise might go without. Any visitor who brings back a wrapped gift (with tag) will receive a coupon good for 20 percent off a visit to the mansion’s health spa.

The mansion is also a drop-off spot for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Visitors are encouraged to bring nourishing, nonperishable food items to fill the basket at Orlo’s Restaurant, located inside the mansion. The other eating establishment, Silver Creek Dining Room, is the venue for a series of “Brunches with Santa” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ending Dec. 19. Children having brunch with their families on Dec. 19 will receive free Santa photos and holiday treats.

Reservations are suggested.

Dolce Hayes Mansion is located at 200 Edenvale Ave., off Lean Avenue. For more information, call (408) 226-3200 or visit www.hayesmansion.com on the Internet.