Published: November 06, 2009 09:51 am      

Wonderland of Trees ‘Community holiday event’ to raise funds for United Way

Doors will open for the first time today to the United Way’s Wonderland of Trees at Crossroads Mall.

Starting at noon, the public is invited to tour nearly 40 uniquely decorated Christmas trees through Nov. 19.

Housed in K&W Cafeteria’s former location, the Wonderland of Trees is sponsored by area businesses, individuals, civic groups, churches and schools.

“This is a community holiday event,” explained Margaret O’Neal, executive director of the United Way of Southern West Virginia. “Over 35 businesses, churches and nonprofits have taken the time to decorate these trees knowing they will be auctioned off to benefit our community.”

The cost to sponsor a 71/2-foot, pre-lighted tree from JC Penney is $125.

“Each tree has a theme,” O’Neal added, “and they’re all beautiful.”

She said the trees range in theme from “Elegant,” decorated with silverware and crystal glasses, to BB&T’s “Money Does Grow on Trees,” which uses cash as hanging ornaments.

“It’s going to have a magical feel when you go in there,” said Richard Jarrell, the event’s chairman. “From whimsical and hand-made to elegant. There’s a tree for everyone.”

“Mr. Jarrell saw this being done in other states,” O’Neal explained, “and the United Way just feels very fortunate that he chose us to share his idea with.”

Jarrell says he views the event as a great opportunity to do two things.

“First of all, it is a fun, neat event that the entire community can get involved in by buying and decorating a tree or participating in the auction,” he said.

“The other thing is that coming out to the mall to see and enjoy the trees is a good way to get in a festive mood. We don’t often have the opportunity to do that.”

The Wonderland of Trees will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Mall visitors can stop by, check out the trees and, for $1, vote for their favorite tree to receive the People’s Choice award.

When people come in and vote, they will also be registered for a 32-inch Hitachi flat screen television from John Eye’s Big Sandy Superstore.

The drawing will take place Nov. 19 when the United Way hosts live and silent auctions following a preview party at 6 p.m.

“It’s a beautiful way to start the holiday season,” O’Neal said. “Certainly if people are in the market for a new tree, this is the perfect way to get one already decorated.”

The auction will continue until all of the trees are sold.

Also to be auctioned are a live, private performance by Taylor Made, one night’s stay and dinner at The Greenbrier and several other items.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the local United Way, and general information is available on the United Way Web site at http://www.unitedwayswv.org/wonderland.html.

— E-mail: cclark@register-herald.com