FESTIVAL OF TREES - BELLINGHAM'S GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Last night my husband, Vaughn, and I hosted a table for ten at the Festival of Trees auction in the former Leopold Hotel's Crystal Ballroom in Bellingham. Although it is now the Leopold Retirement Residence, I fondly remember the once grand hotel as the site of my senior prom in 1955. Seeing that slowly rotating glittering ball was thrilling then, and is equally thrilling now, despite the change in circumstance.

My son, John, introduced us to the Festival of Trees four years ago, knowing that I would love participating in this very unique form of philanthropy - an auction of gloriously decorated Christmas trees. Sponsored by the Health Support Center in Bellingham, twenty-two organizations are provided many services as a result of the auction and other fundraising efforts.

Guaranteed to put even Scrooge in the Christmas spirit, the evening went something like this. Upon entering we got a bidding card and a table number. Walking into the grand old ballroom, we were treated to the sight and sounds of the Bellingham High School Strolling Strings in holiday garb, as they wandered about playing holiday favorites. Tables seating ten were ringed by sixteen uniquely decorated and lighted Christmas trees, each with its own theme, and each decorated and donated by dedicated volunteers.

To name only a few: A tree named "A Poinsettia Christmas" featured handmade felt poinsettias, while a fanciful Grinch was poised atop the "Grinch Who Stole Christmas" tree . "Twas the Night Before Christmas" tree was laden with different Santa ornaments and topped by Santa, a sleigh and eight reindeer made by the decorator's son. All of the trees were set to be auctioned off to the highest bidders. Organizations such as brain injury and Parkinson's support groups, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Northwest Braille Services, Kids Council Northwest and seventeen other worthy causes would benefit by the evening's fundraiser. In addition, auction participants were treated to a silent auction where everything from jewelry to wine and getaways was available for bidding.

Participants feasted on a wonderful roast beef buffet. To get dessert required another creative form of giving. A myriad of delectable desserts, all different, were available for viewing to one side. Each table had a dessert envelope in the middle and people were encouraged to put whatever they could afford in their table's envelope. At a designated time the envelopes were collected and the contents counted. Tables with the most money got first choice of dessert, and so on until everyone had something yummy to eat. Our table, with pick number three, feasted on a calorie laden chocolate cake. Table center pieces were auctioned off in a similar fashion.

After we ate, the evening's master of ceremonies-auctioneer and the center's executive director shared the mission of the Support Center before the bidding began. Caught up in the spirit of giving we successfully bid on "Greetings From The Sea", an evergreen laden with all kinds of handmade sea animals such as starfish, sea horses, crabs and other unique ornaments perfect for our nearby beach cabin.

By the evening's end, sixteen final tree bids ranged from $250 to $1200 were made, which, along with the silent auction, centerpiece auction, dessert contributions and $40.00 per person dinner added up to a successful evening for the Center and its member organizations.
Because of the generous donations of auction gifts, food, venue, decor and other costs there was very little overhead.

A wonderful addition to the Festival is how the trees are delivered to the new tree owners. I understand that early Sunday morning HSC staff, a volunteer tree delivery coordinator, and Boy Scout Troop #23 arrived at the auction site to bag, load and deliver the trees. At a pre-arranged time today, two scouts and an adult came to our house with the tree, set it up in a unique rolling stand, positioned it where indicated, and filled the stand with water. We are now enjoying a seaworthy vision of loveliness in keeping with our view of the Strait of Georgia. To make this experience even better, the same boy scout troop will return on January 6 to pick up the tree and stand for disposal. The trees are taken to a park and rec facility to be chipped and used for mulch. The stands are stored for use the next year. It is an efficient and well run process.

It's a great feeling to know that last night we made a difference in a small way to some important organizations because of the Health Support Center. It is also important to remember that groups like it are working across the country to help others in time of need. To know more about the important work of this organization click on its name. You can also surf the web to find similar organizations in your community, or better yet, find a group of likeminded individuals and start your own festival of support. So many people in need would be grateful.

In the meantime, a heartfelt thank you to all "groups of thoughtful, committed citizens who are changing our world." Have a joyous and rewarding holiday season.

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BOOK NOOK

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a serious thought-provoking story, ostensibly for children, about giving, what it means for giver and receiver, and if we are ever faced with the concept of giving too much. It's a soul touching book. I read it to my elementary school students around Christmas to help them think about gifts from the heart, and how parents might feel when it comes to meeting their kids' requests and needs. Children get it, especially those with a developing sense of empathy. For adults there is an even deeper understanding of what seems to be an underlying message. That message one needs to determine for oneself. Listen to the entire story by seeing and hearing The Giving Tree on Youtube, and share it with your kids. Ask them some questions like the ones you find on the Common Sense website here. This website is definitely worth checking.

If you are a teacher, here is a writing idea for students that might prove interesting. After reading the story and a discussion period, give them writing paper with a space above for illustrations. Write this story starter on the board.

"If I could give anything to anyone I would give ____________ to __________.

You can add depth to the writing by having the students tell "why" they would choose to do this. The students will be eager to share. You might be surprised at the results.