Wonderland of Trees a Big Success!



Many thanks to all who participated in our first “Wonderland of Trees” event at Crossroads Mall. The committee for this event was lead by Mr. Richard Jarrell and he did a fabulous job. 38 Christmas trees were decorated in various styles and themes by businesses, churches, non-profit organizations and civic groups. All of them were beautiful and special in their own way. The event culminated on November 19th when all of the trees were auctioned off by world class auctioneer, Mr. Scott Hill. The community was invited to come out to the Crossroad’s Mall and vote for the “People’s Choice Award” and after all the votes were counted, the winner is…….Memorial Baptist Church with their “Tree of Promise”.



The auction was fun for everyone who attended and the tree that raised the most money during the auction was decorated by Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Their tree was decorated with over $1000.00 in gifts including rafting, dinners, zip-line tours and more! “The 12 Gifts of Christmas” tree raised over $800.00 during the auction.



Our total amount raised for this first year event was nearly $16,000.00! WOW….no doubt this will be an annual event and we are already planning for next year. If your business, church or club would like to participate in our 2nd Annual Wonderland of Trees event, please contact the United Way office at 304-253-2111.

Last but not least, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who made 2009 a very successful year for our United Way. Campaign Chair, Mr. Bill Baker along with his co-chair, Mr. Roy Shrewsbury, have worked tirelessly to help meet our goal of $350,000.00. As we approach a New Year, we are still in need of your help. It’s not too late to make a difference and change a life by contributing whatever you can afford to the 2009/2010 campaign. Your gift is tax deductible and can be mailed directly to the United Way office at P.O. Box 5456, Beckley, WV 25801.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and agencies, we wish you all a very Happy New Year; full of love and peace and the knowledge that with your gift to the United Way of Southern West Virginia you have made a difference and together, we are all LIVING UNITED!