Fun festive gathering for 18th annual Vision of Trees

The Vision of Trees annual event was held at the Champion Community Center last Saturday and Sunday, hosted by the Champion Jr. Women’s Club and celebrating its 18th year.
The room was aglow with colorful lights showcasing 18 Christmas trees and three holiday displays around the perimeter of the room. Decorated tables filled the center of the room where guests enjoyed a hot lunch. Saturday, volunteers held a baked potato bar serving 127 people. Sunday’s homemade soup feed served 206. Free homemade cookies and punch was always at the ready over the weekend.
Baked goods and crafts were also sold and youngsters got the chance to decorate Christmas cookies.
There were approximately 40 donated items and 20 handmade wreaths on display for the silent auction bidding.
Six raffle item winners were announced on Sunday afternoon. The lucky winners were Jessica Teeter, who won the bid for a lighted snowflake indoor/outdoor decoration. Arlys Cupp took home a six-foot snowman decoration to display inside or out. A Christmas tree decorated by members of the Challengers 4-H club was won by Nick Colton. Shirley Houlden won a quilt handmade by Ronnie Bahler and Rhonda Osborne. Kim White won the set of DeWalt tools and Shelly Geiser took home a set of vintage “Christmas” suitcases.
Santa “flew” in both days to visit with children and hand out treat bags. A variety of local entertainment added to the festive atmosphere of the event.
Visitors to the community center enjoyed a walk among the trees, casting their votes for their favorite People’s Choice awards. First place went to Lana Stromberger for her “Christmas on the Range” tree design, with second place going to Ed Cupp and Kelsey Steinkraus for their display “Night Before Christmas,” the theme for this year’s event.
Proceeds will go to local members of the community to help pay bills due to illness or be returned back to the club to go toward future events and projects.