SFBA Announces 12 Trees of Christmas

Look in the window of a Seneca Falls business this month and you’ll see some Christmas trees adorned with unusual items: strings of pearls, small bottles of liqueur, handmade teddy bears, gift certificates for a deli lunch or flower arrangement, or even an office chair tree stand. All of these trees are part of a unique auction event created by members of the Seneca Falls Business Association to benefit a local food pantry. The proceeds from the auction, which ends December 18th, will be shared between the SFBA and the House of Concern. Becky Bly, the organizer of the event, says that she is amazed by the generosity of Seneca Falls business owners . “ All the trees are beautiful, and some of these trees carry items worth hundreds of dollars,” she noted. “I think that in tough times like these, people want to be charitable. I am really hoping our community will be generous as they place bids on each tree. “ The trees can be seen and bids can be placed at any of the participating businesses, said Bly. In addition to the twelve trees being auctioned, a bonus “money tree” donated by the Seneca Falls Savings Bank and decorated with $500 in cash is being raffled. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Bank’s Seneca Falls office, 19 Cayuga Street, where the tree is on display. The House of Concern, which provides groceries and clothing to families and individuals in need, has seen a dramatic increase over the last few months in the number of persons requesting help. “Since July the house of Concern has been providing services to 200 families each month, and most of the clients are working families.” said Diane Draheim, Executive Director. “I am extremely grateful for all the community support. The House of Concern will be 40 years old in January and could not have survived without this support.”The Twelve Trees of Christmas event wraps up with a reception open to the public on Thursday, December 18th, at the Seneca Museum 89 Fall St., from 5:30 – 7:00. Final bids will be taken, and sealed bids will be opened. In addition, there will be wine-tasting, refreshments provided by Seneca Falls businesses, and musical entertainment by local Jazz and Big Band Vocalist, Mae Lombard with “The Barry Tee Jazz Trio”. There is no charge to attend the event, but attendees are asked to provide contributions to the House of Concern, in the form of money or nonperishable food items. “I am very happy to be a part of this event.” said Ann Sandroni, SFBA vice president, “This is a great way for people to both acquire a beautiful and valuable tree while helping others at the same time. I know people will have fun as they walk around our beautiful village enjoying the Twelve Trees of Christmas! “Businesses participating in The Twelve Trees of Christmas:SL DuVall Goldsmith – 28 Fall St.Downtown Deli – 53 Fall St.Seneca Office Products – 59 Fall St.Sinicropi Florist – 64 Fall St.Sherry’s Bear and Frame Shop – 67 Fall St.The Hairtique – 73 Fall St.Heirloom Picture Framing – 83 Fall St.Seneca Museum – 89 Fall St.Robinette Jewelers – 90 Fall St.D A’s Liquor Store (on display at The Copy Shop) – 105 Fall St.Seneca County Arts Council – 109 Fall St.Blossoms by Cosentino – 106 Fall St.Seneca Falls Savings Bank – 19 Cayuga St.