Parade of Trees to benefit Girls Inc. on Nov. 16

The festive spirit of a New York Christmas holiday will transform the Pollard Center for an evening of glitz and glamour on Saturday, Nov. 16. It’s the 19th Annual Parade of Trees, a benefit for Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge.

“Beautifully decorated and lighted trees, wreaths, centerpieces, and of course, mistletoe, will enhance the magical atmosphere of a night in Manhattan,” a press release said. “In addition, this year’s ‘Park Avenue’ gift shop will feature unique hostess gifts and items to make your holiday table sparkle. Jams, jellies, and baked treats (tastings will be available) can be purchased in gift bags ready to deliver to a special friend. Don’t need a new Christmas tree? Then plan to take home a bag of beautiful ornaments to freshen your existing tree!”

A highlight of the evening will be the live auction with Bear Stephenson of Stephenson Realty and Auction in Clinton, the release said. It said Stephenson will showcase a number of exciting items and gift certificates, including a two-night stay plus a round of golf for two with breakfast included at The Cloisters or The Lodge at Sea Island, Ga., and four one-day park hopper passes at Disney World Resorts.

Also included will be a wine and appetizer party for 25 people at Willow Ridge’s outdoor kitchen and patio; a garden fountain; Bill Capshaw’s Raku pottery piece; a special night at Grey Gables B&B in Rugby; a Tennessee Lady Vols Holly and Pat Basket; a four-foot Alpine Bear by Ditz; an Elk Chili and Beer Supper for eight people; jewelry and gems; a regional air tour; a Fall pig roast, plus a surprise or two!

In addition, more than 30 items will be available for bids in the silent auction, including restaurants, sports, auto care and home improvement packages, artisan crafts items, food and wine baskets, hotel mini-get-aways, memberships, golf lessons, kitchen appliances, a variety of gift cards, and many more.

A holiday-themed buffet by Birdwell’s Catering at our favorite “Broadway Eatery” will tempt the palates of guests while they enjoy the dinner music of Jennifer Van Tol’s students, the release said. Guests can enjoy an open bar with a beautiful New York City skyline completed by local art students. After dinner and before the live auction, guests may saunter down to “Central Park” and check out their bids on the many items available. After the live action, music to dance the night away will be provided by the soul/funk band, Soulfinger, the release said.

Already on board as sponsors at the Emerald Level is Big Ed’s Pizza; Sapphire Level are USEC and David Moses; at the Ruby Level, Advanced Management Inc., Restoration Services Inc., ORNL Federal Credit Union, and Dr. Jean-Francois and Donna Reat; at the Pearl Level, TN Bank, Y12 Federal Credit Union, Dr. William McAllister DDS, Spectra Tech, Martin and Jane Grossbeck, Navarro Research and Engineering, and Terry and Betty Anne Domm. Donna Reat, this year’s event chairman, stated support in the form of many levels of sponsorships are always welcome and will be recognized in our programs, during the evening and through publicity.

Tickets for this spectacular evening are available in advance for $70 per person at Girls Inc. or on the website at www.girlsincoakridge.org. Tickets at the door will be $75 per person. For more information, call Girls Inc. at (865) 482-4475.

Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge is a United Way funded agency and works with more than 600 girls annually in Anderson and Roane Counties. Girls Inc. offers center-based and outreach programming to girls five to 18 years old in its after-school, summer camp and sports programs. Girls Inc. provides more than 40 percent of its participating girls with need-based scholarships and assistance. Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge strives to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold! For more information you can contact Girls Inc. at (865) 482-4475 or visit its website at www.girlsincoakridge.org.