2011 Fantasy Tree – November 19th

2010 Fantasy Tree - Cheryl Preisser and Santa Claus (George Gotto) pose in front of the beautiful tree, donated by Elsie Dunn.

The 8th annual Fantasy Tree, fund-raising event for the Domestic Safety Resource Center, will be held on Saturday, November 19th, 2011, 6:00 pm, at the Elks Lodge in Lamar. The Fantasy Tree Fund Raising Committee are Chairman: Lisa Thomas; Vice Chair: Jillane Hixson; Secretary Treasurer: Lori Morlan; and, committee members Cheryl Preisser, Holly Burton, Valerie Baldwin, Diane Broyles, Alicia Downing and Melissa Dieterle. The Committee members are still busy soliciting auction items and donations in preparation for the event.

Since their inception in 1986, the Domestic Safety Resource Center has served over 3500 individuals throughout Prowers, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Baca counties. “Domestic Safety” services include various resources, including a safe house, for abused and battered family members. According to Doris Hughes, executive director of the regional program since 1990, “Domestic Safety” provided refuge for over 200 families in 2011. These numbers are likely to be surpassed in 2012, as economic hardships often perpetuate additional stress on already strained relationships. All funds raised by the Fantasy Tree event, supports the maintenance and operations of the “safe house”, approximately $8,000/year. Due to the generosity of the community, last year the committee was able to present a check to “Domestic Safety” for $7,000. The Fantasy Tree Fund Raising Committee is hopeful to achieve or surpass last year’s fund-raising.

The public, all ages, is invited to attend a fun-filled evening at the 2011 Fantasy Tree event. The evening will include the fabulous Valley Jazz Orchestra, led by David Northrup; a social mixer with beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and Santa Claus will start off the evening, followed by the traditional live auction of beautifully decorated Christmas trees & wreaths, and silent auction of various items generously donated by local merchants and individuals. Area Photographer, Jessica Long, will be present to take your photograph with Santa. “Big Ticket” auction items include Bronco tickets and a 6-Day/6-Night South Africa Photo Safari. The evening will conclude with music and dancing.

Fantasy Tree Committee Press Release