The Sweet Home Alumni Foundation held its 21st annual Trees for Scholarships Auction on Dec. 7, drawing a near-sellout crowd and raising an estimated $40,000 for the foundation’s scholarships program for Sweet Home High School.
MarySue Reynolds of the organizing committee said the event drew about 240 people, just off the committee’s goal of 250.
“It was a fun night and we’re pleased with the turnout,” she said.
Despite bids on the 18 lavishly decorated trees that were generally lower than what organizers were hoping for, based on the results from recent years, the event raised “a lot of money” from the silent auctions, she said.
The top-selling tree was a Santa-themed creation adorned in red, white and blue hues, which mixed vintage and modern themes, created by Cera Sorenson and sponsored by JBX LLC, which went for $2,500.
A second tree, designed and decorated by Tina Larsen, Chandra Alfre and Stephanie Cronin, and sponsored by HEVI-Shot, sold for $2,100.
Auctioneer Jeremy Powell led the sale.
The final tally was about $53,000 before expenses, which will likely leave about $40,000 that will be spent primarily on scholarships that are being awarded to SHHS graduates who have completed their first year of college and are continuing on, Reynolds said.
To learn more about SHAF and how to donate, outside of the auction, visit shafgives.org.
See individual trees below.
Red and White Kitchen Delight – Candy canes, festive gingerbread and peppermints decorate this tree, topping an array of gingerbread houses, cookie cutters and cozy kitchen towels. Designed and decorated by Kayla Rosa. Sold for $1,000. Sponsored by Wolthuis Family Dentistry.
Rustic Snowflakes – Complete with stocking holder and stockings to go on the mantle, this tree and its junior partners provide an atmosphere in which to snuggle up in the provided blanket with a basket offering up hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps and cookies as the candles flicker. Designed and decorated by Kim Wilson. Sold for $1,100. Sponsored by Ted Stock.
Sweet Home Sweet Ride – Red, gold and green balls help create a celebration of all things vehicular in this traditional tree, which marries a love of automobiles with holiday festivity. An assortment of toy cars and trucks nestled in the branches add to the effect. Designed and decorated by the Sweet Ride Committee, including Kimi Nash. Sold for $500. Sponsored by Sweet Home Sweet Ride.
Here for the Rodeo – Colors of brown, tan, red, blue and cow print come together on this green tree decorated with white lights to create that western asthetic. Alongside is a horse-shaped swing, a Pendleton blanket and a practice steer for roping, plus tickets to Hell on Hooves Rodeo in Albany in February and the Sweet Home Rodeo on Aug. 16, 2025. Designed and decorated by McKenzie Reynolds, Ashley Cota and Sarita Zanona. Sold for $600. Sponsored by C&C Timber Operations.
It’s an O&M Christmas – Colors of green and blue, with black accents light up the holiday cheer, which includes O&M T-shirts, beanies, hats and a cozy flannel. Also along for the ride are bottles of red wine and Makers Mark whiskeym along with a soft white blanket for a cozy night by the fire. Designed and decorated by McKenzie Reynolds, Whitney Funk and Sarita Zanona. Sold for $500. Sponsored by O&M Point S.
Merry Crimson Christmas – This tree is a masterpiece of colors and textures, designed and decorated by Erin Barstad and Darci Dimick. Sold for $550. Sponsored by New Flow Plumbing.
An Elegant Evening – Adorned with golden orgs and twinkling lights, this tree provides elegance and a touch of sophistication. Designed and decorated by Carrie Royer, Nikayla Syme, Wendy Holbrook and Jamie Ely. Sold for $450. Sponsored by Ticor Title Co.
JBX LLC – This tree, adorned in classic red, white and green hues, includes a touch of plaid and oversized ribbon bows, which add a modern twist to this vintage-inspired decor. Designed and decorated by Cera Sorensen. Sold for $2,500. Sponsored by JBX LLC.
Warm and Cozy Sangria Christmas – Vintage-style candlesticks add a warm glow to this Christmas tree, reminiscent of a classic sangria. At the base, a plush blanket and all the essentials necessary for crafting the perfect batch of sangria. They include a cutting board for prepping fruits, along with ingredients and a $200 gift cetificate to El Patron Mexican Restaurant. Designed and decorated by Tiffany Scott, Shaina Burnett, Laura Hysell and Malinda Utley. Sold for $400. Sponsored by Western University of Health Sciences – COMP NW.
Vintage Christmas Shimmer – a 7-foot Noble fir designed and decorated by Lisa Weld and Milah Weld-Melcher. Polka-dot ribbons, gingerbread backdrop, and more. Sold for $500. Sponsored by Buck’s Sanitary Service, Royal Flush and Anderson Bros.
Warm and Cozy Christmas – This 7-1/2 foot artificial tree is complemented by a soft rug, plush pillows, a cozy blanket and a welcoming fireplace that creates the kind of evening in which to enjoy the accompanying Pendleton cocktail makings and a favorite book. Designed and decorated by Tina Larsen, Chandra Alfrey and Stephanie Cronin. Sold for $2,100. Sponsored by HEVI-Shot.
Big Foot Tree – This tree is covered with unique handmade ornaments, gold and black baubles covering a hidden Bigfoot figure. Designed and decorated by Wendi Melcher, Heather Search and Lauren Parks. Sold for $600. Sponsored by Home Smart “The Wendi Melcher Team” and Fun Forest.
A Hallmark Christmas – This tree is cloaked in a festive display of red, white and champagne decorations, with cheerful stockings alongside a gingerbread house and wooden advent calendar. Designed and decorated by Vicki Bauer and Michelle Knight. Sold for $500. Sponsored by Steelhead Strength and Fitness.
Reflections of Christmas – This flocked artificial tree is adorned in green, black, gold and cream, with decorations that embody the spirit of the season. They include a 5-foot mirror, a Nutcracker and sleighs that add some magic to the holiday decor. Deisgned and decorated by Jennifer Hill, Lisa McCubbins, Marissa Bartley and Nicole Devlin. Sold for $800. Sponsored by Holley Christian Church.
Matriarch – This 8-foot Noble fir is adorned with green, red and gold decorations, and wood and glass accents above a Nativity scene and meticulously wrapped presents. Designed and decorated by Brooke Lewison, Hannah Van Eck, Jessica Rice and Allison Rice. Sold for $1,450. Sponsored by Rice Logging, Inc.
Golden Elegance – This tree blends a variety of gold and forest green ornaments intertwined by ivory ribbon, set off by a wooden snowflake, and topped by opulent plumes in shades of gold and cream. Designed and decorated by Chelsea Corliss. Sold for $700, Sponsored by Sherri Gregory Home Team.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas – Vintage mercury and velvet flocked ornaments mingle with twinkling lights, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth, coupled with an aroma of traditional Christmas scents. Designed and decorated by Amber Rosa. Sold for $600. Sponsored by St. Clair Log Trucking.
A Polar Christmas – Fluffy green tree adorned with white furry and feathered friends, designed and decorated by Shari Melcher-Smith, Kailee Ward and Danielle Stafford. Sold for $1,700. Sponsored by Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam.
