November 24, 2010

Businesses decorate Christmas trees for Boots & Bling auction

By Tina Foreman
Farmer Staff Writer

With Christmas just around the corner, many people are digging out their holiday decorations, including the dusty Christmas tree and decorations.
Maybe this year is the year you’ve decided it’s time to spice things up or make a change. If so, you’ll want to make plans to attend the 2010 Boots and Bling Gala, sponsored by the Benefit Fund of the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems.
Yes, the Boots & Bling Gala is a wine and food tasting event, but the committee has added something new to this year’s event, a Christmas tree auction.
“The trees are stunningly gorgeous,” says Gretchen Stenehjem, of First International Bank & Trust. “Each tree has been decorated in its own unique way that will make it a special addition to any home.”
The auction will include 10 personally-decorated Christmas trees plus centerpieces and wreaths, each one with its own special flare.
“All of the trees, wreaths and centerpieces have been donated by local businesses or groups,” says Kristin Bolken, Benefit Fund of the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems director. “This event has a history of being a community-wide effort, so this year we wanted to expand on that through the Christmas tree concept. We let the businesses know that it was completely up to them and their own creativity how the trees were decorated. Amazingly enough, all of the trees are unique and beautifully different. We were lucky because they could have all ended up looking similar, but everyone ended up having a different vision for their trees!”
With so many creative ideas, there is sure to be a tree for every style and every home.
“The businesses who donated trees along with the employees of Barrett Pharmacy & Variety, Larsen Service Drug and Front Porch Floral, who gave lots of decorating advice,  did a great job coming up with wonderful decorating ideas,” adds Bolken. “This event has been a way for people to contribute in a variety of ways and it was also fun for the businesses to put together the trees.”
The trees come in different sizes including some that have been flocked. Some trees have been decorated in a more traditional way with lights and ornaments, while others seem more elegant with ribbons and beautiful glass ornaments.
“The trees are all beautiful in their own way,” adds Stenehjem. “What makes them even more special is the fact that they were decorated for a wonderful cause, our new wellness center.”
The Christmas trees and other decorations will be on display at Watford City’s financial institutions until Wednesday, Nov. 24. Then, they will be moved to the banquet area at Outlaws’ Bar & Grill for the Boots & Bling Gala.
“We plan to auction the trees, decorations and some wine gift packs during the gala,” says Bolken. “We are hoping that the response to the trees is very positive.”
Each year, the proceeds of the Boots & Bling go to the MCHS, with this year’s proceeds being used to fund the therapy pools at the new wellness center.
The Boots & Bling Gala 2010, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Outlaws’ Gallery.
“The Gala is going to be a wonderful winter evening,” comments Stenehjem. “There is no pressure to buy a tree, but you would hate to miss seeing them all. The evening will have lots of great food plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It is simply going to be a great evening.”
Tickets for the event are $25, and can be purchased at the Long X Visitor Center, Barrett Pharmacy & Variety, McKenzie County Bank, First International Bank & Trust, Larsen Service Drug, the Healthy Hearts Wellness Center, Monjores, McKenzie County Hospital and the Good Shepherd Home.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER