Bea’s Tree... A tree comes full-circle and a new tradition continues...
This interesting tree was purchased by Bea Dezell in the early 50’s at Perry’s Pharmacy. She used it to help celebrate Christmas with her Brownie Pack (which she ran for close to 15 years before moving up to an executive position in the guiding movement).
During it’s early years, the tree was the Brownietree and was borrowed by other leaders and many other organizations to add a special festive spirit to their holiday celebrations.
Then it was stowed in Bea’s basement waiting to be called upon once again.
Its time came a few years later when it was donated to the Weavers Guild to be used at Studio 2880 to hang hand-made Christmas ornaments for StudioFair.
After a few years, the weavers eventually decided it was time to move it along again. During a fundraising garage sale, Shirley Gratton bought it for $1.00. She could see its potential and after-all, in true Shirley Gratton fashion, she was supporting a good cause.
It was again, a few years later, when Shirli Gene Sadowick was helping her mom Shirley at her garage sale. She saw her mom debating on whether or not to include the tree in her sale. Shirli Gene quickly helped her decide by pulling it off the sale table. “You can’t sell this!” Shirli Gene exclaimed as she hustled it off to her vehicle. She too saw something more to this little tree – something that had kept it around for all of these years.
The time, 2004, has come to end the garage sale days for this little tree. We now present to you “Bea’s Tree”. It has come full circle and will again be used for community service. What a fitting tribute to Bea who has contributed to our community in so many ways over many years.
Each year we will auction off Bea’s Tree, acknowledging those who have purchased it in previous years. It will become our own little auction tradition – a tradition of giving generously and of the wonderful history of an amazing community.
As the successful bidder you will have Bea’s Tree for the holiday season and then return it in early January to the Foundation for safekeeping. You will receive a photograph for your family and your story will become part of the history of the tree as it continues on in perpetuity. You will receive a commemorative ornament for your own tree and your name, on a plaque, will be placed on the tree base. You will also receive a tax receipt for the total amount of your donation.
Since 2004 Bea's tree has raised over $34,000
