BELLE FOURCHE—Generosity took center stage at the 26th Annual Community Festival of Trees. The Belle Fourche community joined together to raise over $47,500 for local agencies that support those in need.
The Festival of Trees marks the start of the holiday season for the area. It brings the community together to enjoy an evening of food, drinks, friends and family—all for a good cause on the evening of November 25.
Mr. Harlan Stephens welcomed everyone to the event. “Thank you for coming, and we’re very happy to have you again here tonight, and we’re all looking forward to having this opportunity to kick off our holiday season in the spirit of giving to support the great organizations that are beneficiaries of tonight’s auction,” he said. “Thank you to all of our representatives from the various organizations—you folks are why we’re all here tonight and we’re thankful for all that you do for our community—so thank you for being here!”
After Stephens led the group in the singing of Jingle Bells, Curt Westland took to the microphone to begin the auction. A total of 12 trees were decorated to be sold to the highest bidder. Following that, wreaths and a live auction of donated items rounded out the night.
Businesses that decorated trees included: Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce, Belle Fourche FFA Chapter, Belle Fourche Police Department & Code Enforcement, Croell, Jackson Dental Clinic, Monument Health Belle Fourche Rehabilitation and Clinic, Outlaw, Pete’s Clothing and Hodge Bootery, Pioneer Bank and Trust, Prairie Hills Pharmacy, Rolling Hills Healthcare and Runnings of Belle Fourche.
The highest selling tree of the evening was Oh Holy Night by Monument Health Belle Fourche Rehabilitation and Clinic, it brought $3,000. The second highest selling tree of the night brought a final bid of $2,800 for the Pioneer Bank and Trust tree, Over the Hills and Through the Woods. The third highest money maker for the evening went to the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce and their Cat in the Hat tree that contained items from 35 Chamber Members.
The Belle Fourche FFA Chapter members were on hand to help bring out and present each wreath as it was auctioned and each item donated for the live auction.
A taco bar, desserts and refreshments were provided for the event participants to enjoy. Westland said, “how about that taco bar tonight—provided by Integrity Meats, that’s right, it’s all donated—100% of it, it is donated! Integrity Meats, Lueders Food Center and Lynn’s Dakotamart donated everything! Hats off to you guys, thank you so much! The hot cocoa bar provided by CBH and refreshments provided by First Interstate Bank, thank you to those guys!”
The community service organizations that were picked to receive the donations this year were: Belle Fourche Meals on Wheels, Belle Fourche Ministerial Association, Belle Silver Lining, Butte County Child Protection Team, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #12 and Greater Belle Fourche Foundation. At the beginning of the evening a representative from each of the recipients was on hand to introduce their organization and inform the public on their mission.
There was an extensive offering of silent auction items that the public could bid on throughout the evening. The proceeds of the silent auction went directly to the St. Paul’s Catholic Church Shopping Store—Kids Shopping for their Families.
The Festival of Trees is put on each year by the Black Hills Roundup Ag Committee. This year’s members include: Baylee Wolff, Chad Pelster, Harlan Stephens, Jeff Main, Joan Manke, Kelly Milliken, Luke Lensegrav, Melissa Kraft, Sue Kokesh and Tom Carlsen.
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