One of the South Cariboo’s newer Christmas events, Celebration of Lights Auction, is already off to a good start.
All of the 10 Christmas trees and 11 wreaths that will go up for auction on Dec. 1 have been sponsored by local business and now what remains to be seen is how they dress them up in preparation for display and auction.
The event is being co-ordinated by the 100 Mile House Communities in Bloom organization, under the guidance of Angela Cole, Barb McPhail and Shawna Norton.
Cole explains the businesses had the opportunity to sponsor a tree for $100 and they will be responsible for decorating and setting it up for display at Central GM on Nov. 15. A limited number of trees were for sale at $300 with lights and this included the entrance fee. Wreaths were also sold for $100 a pair and they will be decorated, then one put up for auction and the other will be kept by the purchasing business.
Sponsored trees and wreaths will remain on public display in the Central GM showroom until Dec. 1 when everything goes up for auction at a festive social event, and all of the money raised will be donated to local charities, which have been predetermined by each sponsoring business.
Last year, bidders were generous and nearly $10,000 was raised for the trees alone. The new introduction of wreaths to the auction block this year will give bidders a chance to get involved without having to lay down a lot of money, says Cole.
The public is invited to visit the display of trees and vote for their favourite during the two weeks prior to the auction. During that time, Communities in Bloom will host a tea and social among the Christmas trees for seniors from Carefree Manor. A children’s party for youngsters of Our Place Child Care Centre will also be held in the tinsel forest.
The public auction and social on Dec. 1 goes from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and admission tickets will be sold at the door for $5 each or in advance at the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce, Tim Hortons, Central GM and the Williams Lake and District Credit Union.
Tree sponsors have all received four free tickets.
Cole is expecting a lively evening with veteran auctioneer Donna Nivison at the helm.
Tree sponsors get bragging rights, and the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting a needy charity. So far the list of recipients includes 100 Mile & District Historical Society 108 Mile Heritage Site, 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre Society, South Cariboo Health Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association-South Cariboo Branch, 100 Mile House Communities in Bloom and three currently undetermined children’s charities.
“It’s a great event that’s touching a lot of the community,” says Cole. “Come and support local charities and get caught up in the Christmas spirit.