The Fundraiser for the United Way of Greenbrier Valley was a BIG SUCCESS!

The 2nd Annual Holiday by Design fundraiser for United Way of Greenbrier Valley was held at the Greenbrier Valley Convention and Visitors Center on Friday, December 9, 2011. The total raised at this event was $6,495.00.

The event was from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music, and a chance to bid on your favorite Christmas tree for the United Way of Greenbrier Valley "Holiday by Design" fundraiser. Area businesses, schools, nonprofits and civic organizations participated in this fundraiser.

Paul Grist, President of the United Way for Greenbrier Valley, was the auctioneer. Before the bidding started, Paul recognized George and Barbara Williams as life-time honorees for United Way.

Entries for the "Holiday by Design" fundraiser consisted of twelve 6 1/2 foot trees for the live auction and tabletop trees and wreaths for the silent auction. Each tree and wreath focused on a theme of the preparer's choice.

The top three favorite large trees, (ones with the most votes @$1 a vote) were:

• Greenbrier Real Estate, (Peace & Joy at Christmas) - 247 votes

• Design Committee of the Ronceverte Development Corporation, (A “Sticky” Situation) - 89 votes

• RE/MAX Vision Quest (Hues & Views of West Virginia) - 77 votes
  

The top three trees that went for the highest price were:

Greenbrier Real Estate, by Jill Allman (Peace & Joy at Christmas) $700.

Greenbrier by the Greenbrier Christmas Crew, (A Merry Red, White & Greenbrier Christmas) - $450

RE/MAX Vision Quest, by Martha Hilton (Hues & Views of West Virginia) - $400

For the second year in a row, Greenbrier Real Estate tree was voted the most favorite..and went for the highest bid. Many of the auctioned trees were donated to local charities/businesses.

The above tree was donated to Hospice Care. Pictured above left to right are: Amy Wade, Hospice Care; Greg Allman, Broker Greenbrier Real Estate; Dr. John Wilson; Missy VanBuren, Hospice Care; and Jill Allman, Realtor/tree designer.

The lucky winner for the drawing of the 46” Flat Screen TV was Ralph Nash.

This fundraiser was so much fun.....I may just have to enter a tree next year. Check out my previous post for photos of the trees and wreaths for the silent and live auction.

For more information, on theUnited Way of the Greenbrier Valley, which serves Greenbrier, Monroe and Pocahontas counties, call 304-647-3783.

** Local events are brought to you as a courtesy by Rebecca Gaujot, Coldwell Banker Stuarts and Watts.**