The Happiest Place on Earth could be yours for just $1. Courtesy photo
COMMUNITY News:
At the Betty Ehart Senior Center, one can see the forest through the trees. The trees for the annual Festival of Trees event have arrived with a few more to follow in the next day or so.
More than 70 items are on hand for the silent auction, which officially began on Saturday, although Monday is the first chance many will have for viewing.
One 7-foot tree, called, “The Happiest Place on Earth,” is the featured raffle tree this year with a one dollar donation the fee for a chance to win the keys to the castle.
The tree, donated by the Xi Nu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, in memoriam to Mrs. Verna, Disney’s biggest fan will close out the 4 hour event. On Saturday, the tree, along with donated items from a dozen craft fair vendors will be raffled off as the fundraising fun comes to an end.
“I love doing this event with Pauline Schneider and LARSO,” Champion of Youth Ambitions Executive Director, Bernadette Lauritzen said. “The truth is we get to spend lots of hours together to benefit senior and youth programs which makes for a pretty great day.”
The duo have been fundraising for many years together with the help of some pretty fantastic elves; Linda Hoffman, Louise Hassman, Chris Juveland, Cheryl Pongratz, Minette McWilliams, Mrs. Lehman, Cheryl Pongratz and more.
“Pauline has the greatest group of volunteers including; Kay Burick, Linda Boncella and the entire group of Los Alamos Volunteer Association (LAVA) folks,” Lauritzen said. “Her seniors are donating items and trees keep arriving from good natured community members.”
Trees, wreaths, ornaments and decorations have also been donated by Alpha Zeta, Preceptor Beta, Patricia Rathbone, Vera Gallagher, Annie Bard, Cathy Walters, Betty Lou Lebeda, the Bell family, Leadership Los Alamos, Gillian Sutton of KRSN and someone only known as a friend.
Local stained glass artist Janice Muir has also graced the program with a beautiful stained glass peace called, “Let the Joy Sine Through.” The piece is prominently installed in the center’s front window for all to enjoy.
The silent auction event is on display all week during normal business hours and while admission is free, community members are asked to donate non-perishable items that can be used for snacks and school lunches for those in need.
November 12, the trees are on display for the final chance to bid from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a craft fair, free pictures with Santa and the drawing of the raffle items. Those wishing to purchase raffle tickets in advance or for those unable to attend the Saturday event, but would like to purchase a ticket, can call Champions of Youth Ambitions at 505.695.9139.
Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice from Alpha Zeta. Courtesy photo
Kay Burick hopes someone needs a new Harley for the holidays. Courtesy photo
Local stained glass artist Janice Muir, let her joy flow through to benefit the children and seniors of the community with the donation of her handiwork. Courtesy photo
