Annual O’ Christmas Tree Event Raises Funds For Charity

By Janet Cruz

A display of beautifully decorated trees and auction items were up for grabs for a good cause at the Annual O’ Christmas Tree event hosted by Women With Willpower at the London Bridge Convention Center Sunday.

The event is in its 13th year and is one of the biggest fundraisers for the organization which draws in sponsors and community members who help support the causes in the community.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“We donate to women in need and other charities that support women in different ways. This event is a great opportunity for the community to see what we do,” said Rhonda Miller, President of Women With Will Power nonprofit organization.

Once inside guests were also invited to purchase raffle tickets to place in the receptacle in front of each guests desired tree. Trees were donated by organizations, businesses and members of the community.

“I love this event,” said Sativia Castellucci with June Bird Designs. “I did the Pamper Me Up From Head To Toe” tree which is hot pink and filled with many items well over value. This is my second time doing this and I love supporting such a good cause.”

Decorated trees are on display at the Women With Willpower event Sunday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Other theme trees donated included; ” Dinner In The Desert,” “Dillards,” “It’s All Black and White,” “Lets Go Out,” “Mexicana,” “London Bridge Bucks,” “Tool Time,” “Belle of The Ball,” “Pamper Yourself,” “It’s All About Men, ” Get’er Cleaned Up,” “Home For The Holiday,” “Tee Time,” Lotto Time,” Heart and Soul.”

For those who didn’t win a tree, plenty of prizes and gift baskets filled with wine, cookware , spa items and gift certificates were also available.

Major event sponsors included the London Bridge Resort, Davis Properties and Arizona Financial Credit Union. Larger Christmas trees, hand made wreaths and embordered art was also up for auction.

“The embroidered artwork holds a very special place in my heart,” added Women with Willpower Advisory Board Member Sherri Ashford.

Women With Willpower Rhonda Miller speaks to the crowd at the O’Christmas Tree Raffle. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Dinner, and a cash bar was also provided to guests who purchased a ticket.

“We have amazing sponsors this year. They are all wonderful,” said Rhonda Miller President of Women With Willpower.

Women with Willpower is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide financial assistance to local women who are burdened with unexpected and immediate financial needs that are unable to be met elsewhere with the assistance of nonprofit partners in the community, who help identify and provide financial assistance to women for many needs when all other resources have been exhausted.

The organization also presented checks to Faith and Grace Inc, CASA, Havasu Helping Girls , local food bank other charities at the O’ Christmas Tree event.

For more information on the nonprofit, visit www.womenwithwillpower.org.