Festival of Trees to Benefit New Facility

Safenet Services decks the halls for its annual holiday fundraiser with hopes of filling the walls of its new shelter.

Festival of Trees committee members Tammy Thomas (left) and Cari Bohannan purchase decorations to prepare table centerpieces that will be auctioned off at the annual fundraiser to benefit Safenet Services.

This fall, the elves at Safenet Services are particularly busy. In addition to opening a new ­

state-of-the-art facility at the end of October, they are preparing for their biggest fundraiser of the year. The 8th annual Festival of Trees Gala and Auction will be held on Friday, November 30, at Rogers State University’s Centennial Center Ballroom. The silent auction will start the event at 6 p.m., with the live auction to follow. Ticketholders will also enjoy live ­entertainment, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

    This year’s Festival of Trees will feature beautifully decorated Christmas trees ranging from four to nine feet tall. Amongst them will be themed trees designed by Cindy of Florals by Teddie Rae in Pryor, Ann Harmon of Ann Harmon’s Designs, and Andy Willis. Local businesses such as RCI Insurance and civic groups such as the Junior Ocieleta Club will also be providing decorated trees for auction. The committee is currently looking for more tree sponsors as well as table ­sponsors.  

    “It’s a great way for ­businesses or groups to get their staff and members involved with a local charity. They can buy a pre-lit tree and have a party to decorate it before the event,” said Tammy Thomas, committee member. “They can even ­sponsor a corporate table to come see what their creation goes for at auction.”

    Jim Smith of Smith Family Auctions will once again be the evening’s auctioneer. By ­attending the Festival of Trees auction, not only will you be helping victims of domestic ­violence, but you will also be entertained by a superb ­auctioneer. Jim’s auctioning skills always make the evening fun and exciting. In addition to the beautiful trees, wreaths, garland, other holiday items, and entertainment items will also be available for auction. A full “Crystal and Ice” tablescape including everything from the place setting for eight, ­tablecloth, chair décor and ­centerpiece; four Disney Park Hopper tickets; an Arkansas ­getaway package; and a limo wine tour for eight sponsored by Crossbow Construction are just some of the items up for grabs. Free next-day delivery to Claremore or Pryor will be available for larger Christmas trees.

    Due to the time devoted to opening the facility, the Safenet Board of Directors has decided to limit the Festival of Trees to the Friday night Gala and Auction.

    Corporate tables for eight people are offered at $500. Individual tickets are $35 each and may be purchased at Safenet Services, located at 1219 W. Dupont, or at the door of the event. All proceeds from the Festival of Trees will go to ­support women and children of domestic violence.

    “In the past, our focus was on raising funds to build a new shelter. Now that the dream is a reality, we can focus our fundraising efforts on providing excellent programming for the women and children,” said Susan Wolfenbarger, Safenet Services assistant director. “We went from a 12-bed to a 35-bed facility. While that gives us an increased opportunity to serve, it also increases our need for additional programs and ­volunteers.”

    For tickets, to sponsor a tree, or to buy a corporate table, contact Susan Wolfenbarger at (918) 341-1424. Safenet Services is a 501(c)(3) agency. All ­donations are tax-deductible, and the Festival of Trees ­committee will provide donation receipts upon request.

For more information, contact

Safenet Services

www.safenetservices.org