For two days the Running Y Ranch Resort Convention Center took on an exquisite holiday flair adorned by numerous beautiful Christmas trees, thanks to back-to-back annual events hosted by the Assistance League of Klamath Basin.
The Country Christmas Jubilee dinner and auction, held Saturday evening, and the Wonderland of Trees, a free Sunday afternoon event for families, drew hundreds on both days to get in the Christmas spirit and help others.
Serving as the primary fundraiser each year for the Assistance League’s local chapter, the funds raised go towards philanthropic efforts such as Operation School Bell, which provides gift certificates to school kids in the Klamath Basin in coordination with Fred Meyer to purchase winter clothes ahead of harsh weather’s arrival.
Through fundraising efforts, which also includes profits from Findables, a second-hand furniture and home décor’ store operated by the Assistance League, Operation School Bell provides $125 for each student to purchase clothes of their choosing.
Additionally, hygiene kits are prepared and free hand-knit items from members such as gloves, hats and scarves are distributed. With Fred Meyer’s cooperation, Operation School Bell shopping spree nights are held in late September and early October.
The Country Christmas Jubilee and Wonderland of Trees provide not only a fundraising opportunity for a noble cause, but a chance to kick off the holiday season as one of many events affiliated with the Snowflake Festival.
Last year’s events raised approximately $55,000, and while totals are still being calculated the events are expected to have raised at least that much again this year. Saturday’s theme was altered this year, taking on a cowboy motif as the re-coined ‘Country Christmas Jubilee.’
The following day’s Wonderland of Trees is intended as a way for families to view the trees that were auctioned off the previous night, along with opportunities to meet Santa and revel in fun activities.
“All tickets were sold, and the people that attended were really supportive, so I think both events were very successful,” said Linda Hartenberger, president of the Assistance League of Klamath Basin. “I think everybody had a really good time, and everything we had available to sell we sold.”
Following live entertainment and dinner, a live auction began selling extravagantly decorated Christmas trees adorned with more incentives than just ornaments. Tree purchases included items such as a barbecue grill, jewelry, vacation packages, gift baskets, fishing gear, wine and beef. A wide assortment of silent auction items also sold, including each reserved table’s decorations.
While Sunday’s Wonderland of Trees is more about family rather than a direct fundraiser, items were sold at reduced prices with kids in mind to find things for relatives. There was also Santa Claus available to meet with children, live music provided by the Lads of Leisure, arts and crafts, cookies and more.
“Sunday’s not really a day to raise money, but we had a very nice crowd and it was a fun event,” said Hartenberger. “I even had a couple hand me $125 on Sunday because they couldn’t make it on Saturday but still wanted to help clothe a child.”
Donors of live auction items included Woodland Lighting and Design, Reid and Sherril Sherwin, Diamond Home Improvement, Les Schwab Tires, Trish Caldwell and Shannon Derry, Running Y Sports Center, Time Flies Outdoors, Fred Meyer, Colleen Millen, Ken Dagan, Nancy and Patrick O’Donnell, Bob and Cyndy Jensen, Holliday Jewelry, Holland America Cruise Line, La Quinta Inn, Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty, Zulu Nyala Game Lodge, Sojourn Ventures, Marti Merhoff, C&D Burger and Country Inn Cattle Company.
Many additional organizations, schools, and individuals also provided silent auction items, all of which sold in the fundraising effort to help clothe kids.
“This shows how generous people are in the Klamath Basin and how much they care about our community,” added Hartenberger. “We hear from people that it is important to them knowing that the money they spend stays here and benefits the people and children in the Klamath Basin.”
For more information about Assistance League of Klamath Basin visit www.klamathbasinassistanceleague.org or call Findables at 5410883-1721.
