The 15th annual Festival of Trees, hosted by The Family Place, proved to be its most successful one ever. This year, the festival had a total of 23 trees as well as numerous silent auction items including wreaths, jewellery, essential oils and toys. Barber Motors graciously donated their showroom for the week-long event, which ended with the gala and live auction on November 27.
Before beginning the auction, both Mayor Debra Button and Executive Director of The Family Place, Dawn Gutzke, addressed the crowd. Gutzke was emotionally moved when thanking everyone on behalf of herself and the staff at The Family Place.
The Family Place was established in 1995 as a community-funded, community-driven resource center for families in Weyburn and the surrounding area. Every year residents and staff donate countless hours and funds to keep both the building and the programs running. The Family Place is a non-profit organization which relies on fundraising efforts, such as the Festival of Trees, in order to continue to be able to offer their programs and services. The Festival sees both residents and business owners donate either prizes or decorated Christmas trees to be auctioned off.
Some of the programs available at The Family Place include Drop In Play, Bakers to Be, Home Alone Safety, Sunny Scholars and Community Kitchen. Dawn expressed the importance of making everyone who walks through the doors feel welcome. With The Family Place reaching its highest fundraising total for a single event, those doors can continue to stay open.
After quick calculations, with donations still trickling in, Gutzke announced the event raised over $72,000. Two trees, which were purchased for $4,900 each, contributed to the high grand total. Mal Barber of Barber Motors and Jeff Tosczak of Great Plains Ford were the generous purchasers of those trees. The Family Place staff was very pleased with the support this year, ensuring that the work will continue to benefit families in need in 2015.
The Family Place's recent Facebook status update is a sure indication that the season of giving is alive and well in Weyburn. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, to our wonderful Weyburn community, for your generous hearts! Our Festival of Trees was a wonderful, inspiring, encouraging success! Our hearts are full and so grateful for your love and support!"
