Every year, The Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund celebrates the Christmas season with the community — while raising money for its gift program — at the Festival of Trees auction fundraiser.
This year’s auction will be held virtually on Nov. 19.
One of the things that makes the event so festive is the array of items — many of them handcrafted — that local artisans and businesses donate for auction. The festival is a wonderful place for locals to find unique Christmas gifts to purchase for loved ones.
The community can help make this year’s auction fundraiser a special one by donating an auction item or taking part in the Tree Challenge.
The Festival of Trees Committee has partnered with WESB/WBRR to hold an on air auction on Nov. 19. The time of the event will be announced.
While the event is virtual, people will be able to get an in-person look at many of the auction items and Tree Challenge submissions on display at the Main Street Mercantile at 45 Main St. People will also be able to get a peek at some of the auction items when the Festival of Trees unveils its new Facebook page.
“The Facebook page will showcase many of the items up for bids and will hold an online silent as well as live auction,” explained Rhonda Gray, a member of the Festival of Trees Committee and ELF Fund board. “Details are in progress. Please Check the Festival of Trees Facebook page for updates and photos of the auction items.”
In addition to the silent and live auctions, there will be a basket raffle, too. Gray described what people will find if they stop at the Mercantile in the coming weeks.
“The Main Street Mercantile has generously allowed us to showcase the Festival of Trees auction items in their storefront windows,” she said. “Basket raffle tickets will be on sale at the Mercantile for $10 a card. People can purchase a bidding paddle for $10 to bid on the many silent auction items. There will be a live auction component as well.”
Among the items the committee already has on tap for the auction are a commemorative Zippo lighter and Case knife.
The theme of the 2020 event is “What Matters Most.” The theme is fitting for a year in which everyone’s re-evaluating what is important, according to Gray.
“All of us have been impacted by COVID 19 on some level. We have all had to rethink some aspects of our lives. We have all had to prioritize what matters most to us,” she said. “Family, Love, Community, Faith, Giving, are just a few of the inspirational words behind this year’s 2020 Festival of Trees event.”
For anyone who wants to donate items for auction, they may be dropped off until Nov. 10 at the Main Street Mercantile. Leave contact information along with the item.
Anyone who wants to donate for the live auction is asked to contact Gray as soon as possible at 814-331-1986 so the items can be included in a flyer of live auction items that will be handed out at the Mercantile.
There are still four spots open for people or groups who want to compete in the Tree Challenge. Space is limited to six, and two competitors have already confirmed their spots.
Participants in the challenge submit a decorated tree, and people pick their favorite. This year, submissions will need to be a slim design and must not stand more than 7.5 feet tall.
All the winners will be announced Nov. 19, and auction winners will need to pick up their items from the Main Street Mercantile by Nov. 22.
The auction is the largest fundraiser for The ELF Fund. The organization matches the Christmas wishes of needy children and seniors in the Bradford Area School District with volunteer gift buyers.
The ELF Fund is prepared to help more people than normal in 2020.
“The need for many of our families may be greater this year than in previous years due to hardships caused by the pandemic,” Gray explained.
The pandemic also prompted the organization to offer online applications, which means that applicants have a safe, discreet way to sign up right from home.
“We are hopeful to help more families than ever since our applications for gift assistance have been available online as well,” she said.
Despite the pandemic-caused changes to this year’s event, Gray is enthusiastic the event will put still people into the holiday spirit.
“This is a special year for many reasons,” she said. For one, “The items are being showcased in the former Angels building, which is where the ELF Fund Festival of Trees first began 19 years ago.”
Also, the new format makes it easier for more people to take part in bidding.
“Interestingly, by not having an in-person event and opening it up to all persons in our area both and without social media access, this may have the potential to be one of our largest fundraisers to date,” Gray said.
Anyone with questions about taking part in the tree challenge or donating to the auction can contact Gray at the above number.
