10th Annual Fantasy Tree Provides Entertainment & Funding

The tally isn’t official yet, but almost $9,000 has been collected so far from the November 23 Fantasy Tree Celebration held at the Lamar Elks Lodge.  Lisa Thomas, committee chairman, said the group hoped they could reach the $10,000 level in honor of their tenth year.  The funds come from the annual auction of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, as well as donated items from a live and silent auction conducted by M & M Auctioneers.

The Domestic Safety Resource Center is the benefactor of the proceeds, using the money to help support the ‘safe house’ which is used by families in need from a four county region.  The Center is grant funded, so additional funds from the Fantasy Tree committee have been used to help maintain operating costs of the house, from furnishings to utilities to new weatherized windows.

What makes the Fantasy Tree event so special is that the trees and wreaths are donated by area businesses or individuals and decorated in a unique manner.  Some of this year’s standouts included all-white Christmas trees decorated to resemble Frosty the Snowman, or even the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  Some businesses or groups have used themes that represent their interests.

Those who attended enjoyed free hors d’oeurves, an open bar for beer and wine and various forms of entertainment, from holiday dancers from All the Right Moves, to Main Street Bell Ringers, and a live band to round out the evening with music and dancing with the Jeffrey Allen Band.

Attendees can also cast their ballots for the People’s Choice Award for tree and wreath, which was won this year by Colorado East Bank and Trust and Jillian Tinnes from New York Life submitted the winning wreath.  

By Russ Baldwin