Community Turns Out for Annual Fantasy Tree Celebration

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The annual fundraising event to benefit the Domestic Safety Resource Center was held at the Lamar Elks Lodge, Saturday, November 17, featuring a silent and live auction courtesy of Rob Morlan, auctioneer from M & M Auction Company. Guests enjoyed several tables of hors d’oeuvres compliments of Chez DuVall’s Restaurant in Granada as well as an open wine bar and beverages through a portion of the evening. Folks took time to view the decorated Christmas Trees and wreathes that would be auctioned later in the evening.

The entertainment began at 6pm with holiday music provided by the Valley Jazz Orchestra and later that evening, dancers from All the Right Moves performed for the crowd. Everyone got a chance to visit with Santa who was comfortably seated in his chair and appeared to be decked out in some fancy new threads reflecting an older, more Victorian era. It’s also strange that you never seem to see George Gotto around whenever Santa Claus shows up?

Two yellow lab puppies were auctioned, but the animal attraction for the evening was the appearance of a wallaby or baby kangaroo that was content to stay wrapped in a blanket in its owner’s lap while young and old took the opportunity to view or pet the animal which was as small as the lab pups.

The Fantasy Tree committee welcomes any additional cash donations which will be used this year to replace some of the older windows at the safe house that serves four counties in southeast Colorado. The committee said they hoped to reach this year’s goal of $8,000 and once all the donations have been tallied, they’ll present a check to Domestic Safety Resource Center. Voting results on the most popular tree and wreath will also be announced.

By Russ Baldwin/photos by Vince Gearhart.