https://www.currypilot.com/features/eventsandactivities/4889749-151/raising-funds-for-nonprofits

Curry Coastal Pilot, BILL SCHLICHTING online Published Dec. 9, 2016 at 06:50PM

Organizers of the third annual ChariTree called the event “a great success,” and the approximately 300 people attending the event agreed.

“People are saying the trees this year looked the best ever,” said Scott Clapson, an event organizer. “The nonprofits really put in a lot of hard work into their trees.”

The event began Friday with a private gala to thank the sponsors and preview the finished trees. The doors at the Chetco Grange Community Center were opened to the public Saturday.

The Grange hall was busy all day with people entering silent bids on trees and wreaths, buying raffle tickets for prizes, enjoying food provided by Chetco Grange 765, visiting with Santa and singing Christmas carols.

Children were given the opportunity to shop for affordable gifts for their parents, siblings or friends.

The Kid’s Shopping Store netted $162, according to Linda Schreiber, who helped her daughter, Abbey, with the store and served as a judge.

“(Abbey) really enjoys watching the young children contemplate what gift to get for each member of the family and then how to wrap it just right,” Schreiber said. “She wrapped a lot of gifts Saturday.”

Money raised at the store benefits the Brookings-Harbor High School track and field team.

“Abbey and I extend a big thank you to all who donated to the store,” Schreiber said. “It was a wonderful success again.”

The 19 trees, each decorated by nonprofit organization volunteers, were judged.

Best of Show first place was awarded to the Southern Oregon Kite Festival with an honorable mention to the Brookings-Harbor Garden Club.

Judges’ Award first place went to the Brookings-Harbor Lions Club with an honorable mention going to the Brookings-Harbor Community Helpers Emergency Food Bank.

The Santa Award first place was presented to Habitat for Humanity with an honorable mention going to the BHHS Leaderhip’s Oasis Shelter Home tree.

The Elves Award first place was given to Azalea Quilt Guild with an honorable mention presented to the Chetco Grange.

Although the Grange tree received only an honorable mention, it received the highest bid. It was sold for $350. The tree included a handmade quilt and other gift itmes.

A People’s Choice Award was presented to the Brookings-Harbor Garden Club’s tree. Honorable mention was awarded to the Lion’s Club.

Other participants were the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Brookings Emblem Club 265, Brookings-Harbor Education Foundation, BHHS Leadership fund for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Chetco Activity Center, Brookings Harbor Community Theater, SMART, Salvation Army, Southern Oregon Dress a Girl and Wally’s House.

There was also a ChariTree tree with ornaments from all of the organizations.

Raffle items benefited Relay for Life and the 2017 ChariTree event.

Clapson thanked the members of the ChariTree committee, Chetco Grange for the use of its building and the Schreiber family, who started the event.

Event sponsors were Gold Beach Lumber, Blue Pacific Realty, Brookings Dental Arts, South Coast Lumber Co., Grocery Outlet, David Allen-State Farm Insurance, Bi-Mart, Barron’s Home Furnishings, South Coast Fitness Center, Dr. Patel and Chetco Medical Center, and local artist Christina Olsen.