Four Giving Trees are on the block at next week's Treasures of Christmas gala, a fundraiser to support the Tri-City-based Crossroads Hospice Society.
And organizers say the four trees sold at the live auction will offer a win-win-win for the non-profit group, the purchasers and the beneficiaries.
The Giving Trees will be up for grabs during the 23rd annual gala on Nov. 19 — with Crossroads reaping the proceeds, the buyer getting the tax receipt and the four charities each receiving a bit of special cheer during the holidays.
The ornately decorated trees will be placed at: Crossroads Inlet Centre Hospice (sponsored by Rose Miller); Zajac Ranch for sick kids (sponsored by Drysdale Bacon McStravick); New View Society for mental health (sponsored by Dominion Lending Centre); and in the home of a single mother with four kids (sponsored by the Roberts family).
The home for the Family Giving Tree was recommended by the Tri-City Transitions Society, a non-profit group based in Port Coquitlam that helps women and families impacted by violence and abuse.
"The Giving Trees are really our focal point for the gala," said Shelly Pennington, Crossroads' special events and support volunteer co-ordinator. "We see it as paying it forward in the spirit of Christmas."
Last year, the sold-out fundraiser brought in $110,000 for Crossroads' operations. Organizers hope to beat that number with other live auction items such as a craft beer tour, an Okanagan getaway, a Las Vegas package and sports tickets.
As well, the 390 guests attending will get in the festive mood with sounds from Forward Motion Jazz Orchestra — a 10-piece ensemble that's part of the Big City Soul jazz ensemble — and Dr. Strangelove, a six-piece dance band. Both groups also entertained at last year's event, Pennington said.
Sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, the gala will be emceed JRFM's The Waking Crew radio broadcasters Karen Daniels and Clay St. Thomas.
• Tickets for Treasures of Christmas on Nov. 19 are $125, or $1,250 per table of 10. Call 604-945-0606 or visit crossroadshospicesociety.com. The event takes place at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam). A buffet dinner and complimentary valet parking are included. Doors open at 6 p.m.
