Nonprofit auctions trees for a good cause

An Island County nonprofit organization is decking the halls of the Elks Lodge in Oak Harbor with extravagant Christmas trees for a series of charitable holiday events.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County will host a weekend of fun for all ages in a veritable winter wonderland of themed Christmas trees to raise money for its youth services. The organization pairs mentors with children in the community and connects youth with free and fun classes and activities.

Volunteer decorators are spending the week preparing their trees for presentation. Since Monday, the Elks Lodge has been filled with pine branches, fake snow, ornaments, baubles and even a number of glittery dinosaurs, all ready to fill the hearts of onlookers with the spirit of the season.

The weekend kicks off Friday evening with the nonprofit’s 24th annual Festival of Trees, a formal gala during which guests can enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a seated, catered dinner while bidding on the decorated trees and other local treasures. Tickets to this event cost $125, and attendees must be 21 or older.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Tiffany Scribner said the glitzy event “really kicks off the holiday season for a lot of folks.” The decorated trees for auction are all live, she said, and several are paired with additional prizes such as trips.

The Festival of Trees takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 2.

The next morning is the Teddy Bear Breakfast, which is sponsored and organized by the Whidbey Island Pirates. Participants will enjoy entertainment, including a magician and a teddy bear parade, while eating a festive breakfast.

Seatings will take place at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up, and $5 for ages 12 and under. Attendees are asked to bring a new stuffed animal to donate to children in crisis situations. Donated animals will be given to first responders, who will provide them to kids in need.

Community day will follow the breakfast from noon to 2 p.m. At this free event, folks can walk through the Elks Lodge and see the decorated trees while snacking on popcorn, cookies, coffee and tea and listening to live Christmas carols.

This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters is introducing a new event — Mingle with Kringle is a fun, casual evening meant to broaden the reach of the Festival of Trees. While the gala is a more expensive event aimed toward bigger donors, Scribner said, Mingle with Kringle is accessible to a wider demographic.

“We don’t just need big financial supporters, we need people who are just aware of the program,” Scribner said. “We need to celebrate the people whose kids are in our program and the Bigs who are doing the volunteering and being there for these kids.”

There will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, contests, raffles and a photo booth. Tickets cost $21, and guests must be 21 or older. Attendees can wear casual, cocktail or holiday attire, and ugly Christmas sweaters are welcome, too.

“We’re really just letting people embrace how they want to celebrate,” Scribner said.

An online auction will be available to participants of all events, and those who don’t attend any of the events, through Dec. 5. The online auction and tickets to all events are available at bbbsislandcounty.org.

Scribner said the seasonal fundraisers allow Big Brothers Big Sisters to continue the vital work they do among youth in the community.

“This event allows us to provide these services for free,” she said.