Holiday event helps charity
VALENCIA — Traditional Christmas tree lights may not be enough to catch people's attention Saturday at the Festival of Trees fundraiser.
A number of the 30 trees up for sale to benefit Hosanna Industries are uniquely decorated.
One is strewn with Christmas cookies and candies, another is decorated with red kitchen supplies.
There is one sporting handmade wooden ornaments.
“There's all sizes, all varieties,” said Tracy Pulaski of Quality Gardens about the trees. “From little children's trees to a handmade wooden ornament tree. It's really cool.”
The fundraiser at Quality Gardens, 409 Route 228, Valencia, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The money raised will go to Hosanna Industries, which uses donations to build homes for low-income families. The group also makes repairs to homes for qualifying families.
The event is sponsored by the Butler Eagle and Quality Gardens.
The trees, which were decorated by community groups and businesses, range in size, from table top to 7 feet tall. They also range in price, from $40 to $400.
Some of the trees could be worth even more than the asking price, said Amanda Becker of Hosanna Industries. For instance, the tree decorated by the Butler Area Woodturners has all handmade wooden ornaments.
“Each of those could go for $40 or $50 alone,” Becker said.And the tree with kitchen items such as spatulas and whisks includes other kitchenware that is too heavy to hang on the tree. Dish towels act as the tree skirt, and items like baking pans also will be included with the tree.Another tree is named “Christmas Time” because of all the watch faces and gears that hang from it.The trees are on display at Quality Gardens before being sold at Saturday's event. Visitors can vote for their favorites this week by placing a dollar in the corresponding container. The tree with the most money will receive the favorite tree award.Ron Vodenichar, co-publisher and general manager of the Butler Eagle, said, “We at the Eagle are very excited about this opportunity to participate in this project with Hosanna Industries and to play a part in making it a success.“Our people have created a beautiful tree worthy of gracing any home, and we plan on being present when the trees are auctioned off on Saturday.“This is a great cause and a fun way to join a terrific organization as they strive to help the less fortunate. We hope the community will really turn out to make this a big holiday success.”Becker said, “We've gotten a ton of good feedback. We're expecting a pretty large crowd. And Quality Gardens has been really helpful.”Quality Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
