Festival of Trees fundraiser was a great success

The Festival of Trees Gala was a glamorous, exciting, and philanthropic live benefit auction where fully decorated Christmas trees were auctioned off and later delivered to the winner’s home, office, or other location of their choice. Trees were decorated by tree sponsors--local businesses, organizations, families, and even individuals. Some trees were decorated more traditionally with ornaments, ribbons, and bows. Others were ornamented with more unconventional fare like tools and sporting goods memorabilia. In addition to the live auction, guests had the opportunity to bid on wreaths designed and donated by local individuals and businesses, as well as other Christmas items, during a silent auction.

At the event catered by the Gourmet Girls, guests also enjoyed special performances by world-renowned pianist and Steinway artist Kadisha Onalbayeva, composer/pianist Mike Coleman, as well as vocalist Alicia Morris Atcheson.

The event was sponsored by Long Leaf Land & Timber, BASF, Olin, and Andrew's Hardware. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Wilcox Foundation’s mission of promoting the arts and education in Washington County through community events in 2015.