Sunday, December 7, 2008

I-CAN, Turner Broach and Christmas Trees





























I work for a small family owned company called Turner Broach and Cutting Tools. Its a machine shop and I still dont quite get what they do out in the shop, but the end result is these parts end up in jet engines. My boss, Kay is involved in a local community charity called I-CAN. It has been in existence for 17 years and their goal is helping the at risk youth and children. They do some very amazing things with some even more amazing results. Friday night was the 5th annual Festival of Trees. this is a silent auction and Christmas tree auction to benefit this charity. Its a semi formal dinner banquet as well.







This year Kay donated a 7 1/2 foot tree. We needed to come up with a theme and after alot of thinking, and just plain running out of time, I came up with Snowman Christmas. It was a tree decorated with red and white, snowmen of all kinds, icicles and snowflakes. And ALOT of bows. So Thursday Kay, her Brother John, and myself headed for the ballroom of the San Marcos Hotel in Chandler to set out tree up. Meeting all of the other participants was very exciting, and the other trees were just beautiful. I was covered in glitter from head to toe. LOL







Friday night came, dinner was wonderful. Beautiful wreaths and arrangements were offered for the silent auction, then the Tree auction began. The first two trees were from the police department and the fire department. Both the Chief of Police and the Chief of Fire were there to get it started. They were really funny and they mangaed to get $6,500.00 each for their trees. The started on one side of the room and the trees were going for $300.00 to $600.00. Our tree was the last. The tree next to ours was titles Sex in the City and it was very cute and came with a large pink high heel chair. I really thought it would get the most bids. My boss was bidding on it, and I didnt realize at the time, she was trying to get it for me. I thought that was so incredibly sweet, but their was another woman who wasnt leaving without that tree. LOL she won with a bid of $1,500.00. Then our tree was up. The paddles started flying! I was so excited. The auctioneer even joked "Now we have an auction!" When it was all said in done the winning bid was $1,800.00. I was so excited to have created something to help out these kids. After all of the trees and silent auctions were tallied they earned an amazing $80,000.00 . It was an amazing evening. There were elected official in attendance as well. After the auction was a local band called The Chris Parker Project. If your local and ever get a chance to see them preform,, do so, there were great! So, I have added some pictures of Turner Broach, some of the other trees entered and our Snowman Christmas that I was very proud to be part of.... until next time...... (())gail

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great event...this is what Christmas is all about!!!! Good for you, Gail!!!
Susan *dutchrose*

PS No squirrel in that tree???LOL!!

Marie said...

Hi Gail,
Sounds like a wonderful evening. All the trees are very pretty, but I like yours the best. It is so Christmasy, and I do love snowmen. I especially like the bow and ribbons trailing down the tree.
Marie

Deb said...

Hi Gail....thanks for your nice comments about my new website. Wow...that was some silent auction....how nice that all that money will go to help others!

Happy holidays,
Debbie

Patricia said...

That must have been amazing to be at. Your tree really did look the most professional of the ones there are pictures of, no wonder you got the highest bid. I think most people still go traditional for Christmas. The pink trees are a specialized niche.

Pat
www.patriciarose-apotpourrof.blogspot.com
www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com

Lilli Blue said...

Your tree is beautiful. You did a great job on it. What a wonderful event. Snowmen in warm weather. Nice. LOL lilli

Unknown said...

Gail, I love your tree... It screams Merry Christmas!
Tedi
www.PetiteBookstore.com

Miniature Patisserie Chef said...

Hi Gail,

Oh wow, I love your tree! It's so pretty with all the bows!! I'm glad that the event raised so much for the charity. That's wonderful!

Pei Li

Carolee Crafts said...

Good to hear your event went well, just love the tress, especially the pink one!

Anonymous said...

Gail ~

Your tree is beautiful. This kind of event shows the true meaning of the season.

Congratulations!

Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.com

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

That is fabulous Gail ! Thanks for sharing it with us. I love seeing decorated trees it gets me in the mood for decorating mine.


(())

Jenni B said...

Gail!! Guess what?? You won first place in my blog giveaway! Email me as soon as you can with your pick of prizes!

Jenni B

Cottage Flair said...

Gail,
What an amazing event. Your tree is beautiful and I am so happy to hear the event was a success. Sounds like a really great time for a worthy cause. This is what the holidays are all about.
jennifer

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Woo hoooo! You go girl! Gail that is wonderful!
Big hugs to you my sweet friend!
Shell

Noelle Garrett Designs said...

Hi Gail,
That sounds like a wonderful event and an amazing time. Your tree looked outstanding! That's great it went for so much. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week.
hugs,
Carrie

kath@retromantic antiques said...

Gail, How proud you must be of your tree, your company and all of the participants in the event. Good job.k

Susan - InHerOwnWords said...

You should be proud Gail, that was a wonderful event and just think what all that money will be able to do for those children. I'm sure you get some brownie points from the BIG MAN UPSTAIRS! Great Job!

OurWanderingAdventures said...

how fabulous!

Anonymous said...

Hi Gail- What a super event. Your tree was great. I've tagged you too.
Have a blessed holiday.
Pamela

FeeBee Louweez said...

Gail, thankyou for the lovely comments you left at my blog. The pet photos are fun but alot of work! Thankfully my BFF is a professional photographer who helps me out. Thanx for visiting and see you soon.
Katherine 'feebee louweez'

Natasha Burns said...

Congratulations on your wonderful event and for your lovely Snowman Christmas tree doing so well!