Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Its purpose is twofold – raise awareness for Hartley House services and raise money so its work can continue.
The ninth annual Festival of Trees accomplished both goals, organizers said, raising $24,830 for the domestic violence shelter that services Curry, Roosevelt and Quay counties.
The Pavilion at the Curry County Fairgrounds hosted the gathering on Nov. 19. Officials said 45 decorated Christmas trees and wreaths were auctioned off – some multiple times as supporters bought them, then donated them back for another round of bidding.
The evening began with mingling and appetizers and an opportunity for auction-goers to peruse the selection of trees and wreaths. Within short order, Hartley House board member and the event's emcee, Mitch Mender, began the auction with some sobering statistics about the prevalence and consequences of domestic violence. Following the introduction, attendees were regaled with the rhythmic garble of the professional auctioneers
Among the highlights: The Hartley House staff tree was bought and sold eight times.
Trees and wreaths were donated from all walks of regional life -- a funeral home, a dental practice, and several private individuals and families.
The tree donated by the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base raised $2,500.
The tree's ornaments each represented a squadron from Cannon, said Maria Taylor, wife of Col. Terence Taylor, Cannon's commander. The symbolic ornaments were intricately designed and handmade by members of the squadrons they represent. The execution of the tree's design began months ago, according to Taylor.