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Christmas Tree Auction And All-Community Raffle

BASS LAKE — The 17th Annual Christmas Tree Auction is just around the corner. This is a unique community event as it is the only one that benefits so many local nonprofits. It’s hosted by The Boys & Girls Club, Oakhurst. This year there are 17 nonprofits that will benefit from the proceeds of the money raised. Our participating organizations range from service clubs, to churches, to community committees.

The Christmas Tree Auction is slated for Friday, Dec. 1 at The Pines Resort. Doors open to the Lakeview Room at 5:30 p.m. and the party goes until 11 p.m.

Briefly, the way it works is that participating nonprofits bring either a wreath, table top tree, or full size tree. The items are fully decorated, and some even come with awesome gifts! They are auctioned off by a real auctioneer. Each item will bring in hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars per item. There will be something for everyone. All raffle and silent auction items are of high value and there’s a wide range of fun items to bid on.

Examples of what participants are placing with their live auction wreath or tree include authentic Lionel Trains, Disneyland tickets, Raiders tickets, special woodcarvings big and small, annual pass to Golden Chain Theater, and sports memorabilia, such as a signed helmet by Terrell Davis. The best part is all the fun you’ll have while giving back to our local community in a significant and impactful way.

“It’s exciting to participate this year, and as a member of both the Tree Committee and Oakhurst Park Committee, it’s extra special for me,” says Jessica Steele, owner of Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Oakhurst.

“This is my favorite event of the year. Making it just a bit more fun, the Oakhurst Park Committee tree is on display at Grocery Outlet. Come check it out and get in the spirit early. It’s a real joy to support both the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst and Oakhurst Community Park.” Grocery Outlet is located at 40301 Junction Drive.

Jennifer Simmons, Unit Director for Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst, says they very much appreciate their shared efforts toward their cause.

“The staff of Oakhurst Boys and Girls Club is extremely grateful for all the hard work the tree auction committee has put in over the last year to host this wonderful event that helps support our local community’s nonprofits,” Jennifer notes. “Without their continued dedication to our club, we would not be able to support our 340 local youth who utilize the Boys and Girls Club throughout the year.”

What Jennifer says about the year of planning is absolutely true. The event was becoming stale, so the committee spent months reworking it, and brainstorming ideas to revitalize it. The crew working on this is very pleased with the end result. If you’ve attended in the past, this is a whole new event and you’ll want to be there.

Just one example of a new addition is two raffle trees. The committee is pleased to offer a new, and affordable way, that someone can take home a fully decorated designer tree this year — through the addition of raffle trees.

The decorating credit goes to Christy Smith of the Tree Auction Committee, and Rachel O’Keefe, Boys and Girls Club supporter. Two trees are on display, on each at United Security Bank and Yosemite Bank. Yosemite Bank is located at 40061 CA-49 and United Security Bank is located at 40074 CA-49.

Both trees are absolutely gorgeous and are valued at over $2,000! Ticket prices for the trees are $50 each or three for $100.

Other additions or changes include a plated dinner of filet mignon, DJ for dancing after the live auction has ended, increased value in silent auction items, and raffle items.

One thing hasn’t changed: champagne that is poured through the end of the live auction.

The event was moved from Sunday afternoon to Friday night. What better way is there to kick of your weekend and holiday season? If you can’t make it out to the auction, stop by one of the banks and show your community support by purchasing raffle tickets — and maybe win the most beautiful tree of your life!

Melanie Barker is President-Elect of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce

 

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