Festival Of Trees Raises Over $15,000

The Valley County Hope Project Festival of Trees 19th annual fundraising event was held on Nov. 17, at the Elks Lodge. With a prime rib dinner served with garlic smashed potatoes, asparagus wrapped in bacon, salad, bread and cheesecake, serviced by Valley County 4H members, the fundraising event was considered a success by event organizers.

Throughout the past week, and possibly longer based upon the intricacies of some of the donated pieces, various members of the community had the opportunity to put on their artistic caps and put together an item, whether it was a Christmas tree, centerpiece and/or wreath, for the annual auction.

On Nov. 16, Glasgow resident Lindsey Peterson hosted a Christmas Decor Demo at the Elks to get anyone started who needed inspiration and/or provide additional ideas to complete the look before the main event.

This year's dinner was sold out only within a few days of the event being hosted. After the delicious dinner was enjoyed, a total of 55 items were auctioned off, from beautiful trees and wreaths, table decor and centerpieces to quilts and outdoor décor. As a result of the community's generosity, a total of $15,025 was raised.

"The Valley County HOPE Project is so appreciative to the organizations and individuals who have come alongside us, enabling us to carry out our vision and mission, not only for this event, but for all of our fundraisers throughout the year. We are sincerely grateful!," stressed Karla Zerbe, a member of the Valley County HOPE Project Board.

HOPE stands for Helping Others Pay Expenses. The vision is that no person forgoes necessities because of financial constraints due to a crisis. The mission is to support residents of Valley County in crisis by helping to pay expenses as a result of a medical hardship. The organization does not pay medical bills.

The organization is a 501c3 organization, and rely on fundraisers and individual donations from the community for our funding. Because of the community's generosity, the HOPE Project has been able to assist families, totaling $30,000 last year.

To learn more about the HOPE Project, you can go to the Facebook page, Valley County HOPE Project, or visit our website, valleycountyhope.com, where you will find the application along with the guidelines. You will also find the application on the facebook page under "Files" or one can be picked up at Expressions, 235 4th St S. You may call, text or leave a message at 406-263-4673 or email us at [email protected]