We're excited to be holding our first-ever Festival of Trees, Wednesday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 13. This event features a silent auction of miniature (2-foot) Christmas trees, each decorated by one of our MBTB team members. The decorators chose nonprofits near and dear to their hearts to benefit from sales of the trees.
Any time during our regular business hours, stop by to view and/or bid on the trees. Bids must be submitted in person. Bidding closes at the end of the business day Dec. 13. The highest bidder will be notified via email Dec. 14, and winners can begin picking up their trees on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
You can scroll down to view photos of the trees and more information about them. Any questions, please email us. Happy bidding, and happy holidays!
SHELBY TOWNSHIP
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Tree #S-1
Name: Home is Where the Cookies Are
Decorator: Cortney C.
Benefitting Organization: Macomb County Habitat for Humanity
Additional Info: Having worked as a reporter for more than a decade, I often found myself writing about Habitat for Humanity and the great work they do helping families in need establish their own homes through "sweat equity" and no-interest mortgages. The joy on the families' faces as they took possession of their very own homes is something I'll never forget.
Tree Components: Plug-in white lights, red plastic measuring spoons, holiday spatula, red and green jingle bells, metal cookie cutters, silver garland, handmade cable knit scarf as a tree skirt
Tree #S-2
Name: Home for the Holidays
Decorator: Kathy M. (Murph)
Benefitting Organization: Ronald McDonald House
Daniel
Additional Info: In 2010, my nephew Daniel had heart surgery, and my brother and sister-in-law were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald house to be near their son. They did not have to worry about driving back and forth from their home or a hotel. A family is stronger when they can be together. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, my brother could better communicate with Daniel's medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed. They were able to focus on Daniel and his care, rather than grocery shopping, cleaning or cooking meals. Daniel did not recover from his surgery and he’s been watching over us all since May of 2010.
Charlie
Since this time, my brother and his family have been collecting can tabs and spreading the word for others to help collecting as well. (Even the bear under the tree is helping out!) Each year, between $8,000 and $10,000 from these tabs collected throughout the community helps with their operating expenses. One million of these pop tabs provides a night's lodging for 25 families. (Photo at left: My nephew Charlie collecting tabs! He takes it seriously! Not easy for this jokester!)
Did you know?
• RMHC has local Chapters in more than 60 countries and regions around the world
• More than $200 million has been collected through RMHC Donation Boxes
• At least one RMHC core program provides care for children and their families being served at 89% of the top children’s hospitals worldwide
• In 2014, RMHC served nearly 5.7 million children and families.
Tree Components: Battery powered multi-colored lights, glass ornaments, red garland, decorative clothespins, tree skirt, stuffed bear
Tree #S-3
Name: Dreaming of a Wild Christmas
Decorator: Kathy M. (Murph)
Benefitting Organization: Detroit Zoo Fund
Additional Info: I have such great memories of the Detroit Zoo. My Grandma Murphy worked there for years and my other grandparents lived less than a mile away. You could see the water tower from their backyard. So as a young kid, I was at the zoo quite often. So many wonderful wild animals call the zoo home and give us the opportunity to see animals we normally wouldn’t see. (Did you know you can feed the giraffes?) The Detroit Zoo Fund support has helped provide emergency care and sanctuary for more than 1,000 rescued animals — from lemurs and coatis rescued locally, to turtles and tortoises destined for the pet trade. Continuing support to the Detroit Zoo Fund helps us conserve and protect some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Now that I am older, there are also so many cool events for adults that it has rekindled my love for the zoo. The exhibits have changed over the years but that fountain still remains the same. Have you had your picture taken in front of the fountain? If not, you should definitely visit the zoo and take that photo!! I did! (Some familiar faces in there too!)
Tree components: Battery powered white twinkling lights, plastic bulbs, tree skirt glass ornaments and other added decorations
Tree #S-4
Name: Snowman Dreams
Decorator: Maria R.
Benefitting Organization: St. Baldrick's Foundation
Additional Info: Having spent my professional career working with children, charities benefitting youth are close to my heart. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is the largest private (non-government) funder of childhood cancer research grants. This tree is decorated in support of the annual St. Baldrick's Foundation head-shaving fundraiser, held each spring in Romeo.
Tree Components: White plug-in lights, black/red/white ornaments
Tree #S-5
Name: Peppermint Snowflakes
Decorator: Maria R.
Benefitting Organization: Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan
Additional Info: Having spent my professional career working with children, charities benefitting youth are close to my heart. The Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (HFM) strives to improve the quality of life for all people affected by hemophilia and other coagulation disorders. The foundation holds an annual fundraiser, Walkin' on the Wild Side for Hemophilia, at the Detroit Zoo. This tree is decorated in support of Dylan's Demons, a large team of supporters of the walk each year.
Tree components: White plug-in lights, red/white ornaments
Tree #S-6
Name: Go Green, GLOW White
Decorator: Linda M.
Benefitting Organization: Kisses for Katie
Additional Info: A pure celebration of the 2015 Michigan State Spartan football season! Proceeds go to Kisses for Katie. The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to raise the necessary funds for care of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients and to educate the public on this genetic disorder. EB is a rare disease that causes the skin to blister. Blisters are a reaction to slight friction, heat, rubbing and scratching — especially on the constant use of hands and feet — and may occur inside the body, lining of the mouth and intestines. EB has no cure. The incidence is 20 to 1,000,000 newborns in the U.S. Children with EB are sometimes referred to as "the butterfly children," because their skin is as fragile as butterfly wings. My cousin Katie was born with EB. She has struggled every day with this disease. Surgery, procedures, pain, bandages. She and her family struggle daily, but reach out to other EB patients and families, providing assistance and education.
Tree Components: Plug-in white lights, handmade cloth decoupaged MSU ornaments, handmade beaded cork ornaments
Tree #S-7
Name: GLOW Green, Go White
Decorator: Linda M.
Benefitting Organization: Kisses for Katie
Additional Info: A pure celebration of the 2015 Michigan State Spartan football season! Proceeds go to Kisses for Katie. The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to raise the necessary funds for care of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients and to educate the public on this genetic disorder. EB is a rare disease that causes the skin to blister. Blisters are a reaction to slight friction, heat, rubbing and scratching — especially on the constant use of hands and feet — and may occur inside the body, lining of the mouth and intestines. EB has no cure. The incidence is 20 to 1,000,000 newborns in the U.S. Children with EB are sometimes referred to as "the butterfly children," because their skin is as fragile as butterfly wings. My cousin Katie was born with EB. She has struggled every day with this disease. Surgery, procedures, pain, bandages. She and her family struggle daily, but reach out to other EB patients and families, providing assistance and education.
Tree Components: Plug-in green lights, handmade cloth decoupaged MSU ornaments, handmade glittered cork ornaments
Tree #S-8
Name: A Stitch in Time
Decorator: Linda M.
Benefitting Organization: Kisses for Katie
Additional Info: Proceeds go to Kisses for Katie. The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to raise the necessary funds for care of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients and to educate the public on this genetic disorder. EB is a rare disease that causes the skin to blister. Blisters are a reaction to slight friction, heat, rubbing and scratching — especially on the constant use of hands and feet — and may occur inside the body, lining of the mouth and intestines. EB has no cure. The incidence is 20 to 1,000,000 newborns in the U.S. Children with EB are sometimes referred to as "the butterfly children," because their skin is as fragile as butterfly wings. My cousin Katie was born with EB. She has struggled every day with this disease. Surgery, procedures, pain, bandages. She and her family struggle daily, but reach out to other EB patients and families, providing assistance and education.
Tree Components: Plug-in multi-color lights, handmade sparkle cork ornaments, handmade beaded cork ornaments, handmade glittered cork ornaments, hand-strung cranberry and popcorn garland
Tree #S-9
Name: O Christmas Tree
Decorator: Linda M.
Benefitting Organization: Kisses for Katie
Additional Info: As the song from 1824 says: "O Christmas Tree, your branches green delight us! They are green when summer days are bright; they are green when winter snow is white." Proceeds go to Kisses for Katie. The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to raise the necessary funds for care of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients and to educate the public on this genetic disorder. EB is a rare disease that causes the skin to blister. Blisters are a reaction to slight friction, heat, rubbing and scratching — especially on the constant use of hands and feet — and may occur inside the body, lining of the mouth and intestines. EB has no cure. The incidence is 20 to 1,000,000 newborns in the U.S. Children with EB are sometimes referred to as "the butterfly children," because their skin is as fragile as butterfly wings. My cousin Katie was born with EB. She has struggled every day with this disease. Surgery, procedures, pain, bandages. She and her family struggle daily, but reach out to other EB patients and families, providing assistance and education.
Tree Components: Plug-in multi-color lights, beaded paperclip ornaments, green tree cork ornaments, strands of white and gold beads
Tree #S-10
Name: Merry (Frozen) Christmas from Arendelle
Decorator: Rochele J.
Benefitting Organization: American Cancer Society/Relay for Life of Roseville-Eastpointe/Team Renegade Relatives
Additional Info: Unfortunately, cancer has affected every one of us in some way, shape or form whether it is a family member or friend. Every year my family gets together to participate in Relay for Life to help raise money for the American Cancer Society to help find a cure to celebrating more birthdays. When it came time for me to find a theme for my tree I decided to ask my daughter for her ideas. "Mommy, I think you should make a 'Frozen' tree," she said. Since the movie is so familiar to so many people young and old, I said, "Well, why not?" Plus, how could I say no to that sweet little face? "Frozen" it is!
Tree Components: Plug in lights, "Frozen" themed ornaments, ribbon, bulbs
ROYAL OAK
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Tree #R-1
Name: I Love Wine. I Love to Read.
Decorator: Jennifer B.
Benefitting Organization: Oakland Literacy Council
Additional Info: I love to read — always have, always will. I've turned to books for insight, comfort, escape, enjoyment and wisdom for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite parts of my job at MBTB is running the book club; I love choosing the books and engaging people in conversations and hearing what my fellow readers are thinking. Oakland Literacy Council provides free one-on-one tutoring for adults in Oakland County with literacy needs, where 13-15% of adults are illiterate. I believe that, indeed, "there is no greater gift than passing on the ability to read and understand the written word," and I'm supporting the Council's work to enable others to find the same joy in reading that I do.
Tree Components: Plug-in white lights, gold garland, ornament-themed wine charms, wine stopper, book-themed ornaments
Tree #R-2
Name: Kickin’ Crohn’s & Colitis’ Butt
Decorator: Krystal T.
Benefitting Organization: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
Additional Info: My brother, Brett, has been battling Crohn’s Disease (symbolized with purple ribbons) since he was 10 years old; he is now 25 years old. This disease is debilitating on any individual and it is only because of very strong medication and bi-weekly shots (that run the risk of tuberculosis and cancer) that my brother is able to live a somewhat normal life and look the healthiest he has in many years. My heart breaks when he is in pain and I wanted to honor his daily struggle with this organization that does not always get the recognition it deserves.
Tree Components: Plug-in white/clear lights; purple, silver and gold bulb ornaments; purple star tree topper; purple tree skirt
Tree#R-3
Name: Goin' Nuts Over Christmas
Decorator: Krystal T.
Benefitting Organization: Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
Additional Info: I have had a peanut and legume allergy (amongst many others) since I was 2-years old. I am so very thankful to my mom for spending hours at the grocery store with me, teaching me how to read nutrition labels and finding foods for me to eat so I never felt left out. I am also grateful to FARE for sending out email alerts when products have been recalled for allergens and for the numerous kids newsletters sent my way as a child, letting me know I wasn’t alone in this struggle. I can only hope that one day there is a cure so that the 15 million Americans with food allergies can go on and lead normal lives one day and that my children do not inherit my many allergies.
Tree Components: Plug-in white / clear lights; three (3) Hallmark miniature Peanuts ornaments (includes original boxes); teal and silver bulb ornaments; teal battery-operated star tree topper; teal sequin tree skirt
Tree #R-4
Name: Lights & Laces
Decorator: Cortney C.
Benefitting Organization: Girls on the Run of Greater Detroit
Additional Info: Discovering running is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It helps me stay healthy, it's a great motivator to challenge myself, it's a hobby I can do with my dad, it's a stress reliever, it's a great way to spend time outside — the benefits are endless. My only regret is that I didn't discover running sooner. Girls on the Run helps young girls do that while giving them confidence and building their self-esteem.
Tree Components: Plug-in multi-colored lights, colored shoelaces, silver shoe charms, running buttons, multi-colored bulb ornaments
Tree #R-5
Name: Blue Christmas
Decorator: Cortney C.
Benefitting Organization: Michigan Institute of Urology-Men's Health Foundation
Additional Info: As the daughter of a prostate cancer survivor, I wanted to honor my dad with this tree, all decked out in blue, the color of the prostate cancer awareness ribbon. Every June, we run together in the MIU Men's Health Foundation's Run for the Ribbon, a 5K race at the Detroit Zoo to raise funds for prostate cancer research and care, which is where proceeds from this tree will go.
Tree Components: Battery powered blue lights, blue ornaments, silver ornaments, blue star garland, silver snowflake frame ornament
Tree #R-6
Name: Rescue Me, Take Me In Your Arms (as sung by Aretha Franklin)
Decorator: Jan V.
Benefitting Organization: SAFARI (Special Animal Friends and Rescue, Inc.)
Additional Info: I have an endless passion for animals, particularly dogs. It sickens me to see and hear how many innocent animals suffer daily due to neglect and/or physical harm. Animals just want to be loved, unconditionally. Our shelters are over-crowed with these loving, unwanted creatures who deserve a second chance at life. A simple scratch behind the ears, food, water and perhaps a few walks around the block, and you will have a new best friend for life! Realizing that not every home is a good match, there are also opportunities to volunteer your services to help bring a little joy to our furry friends this holiday season.
Tree Components: Battery powered multi-colored lights, "Best Friends" ornaments, "Believe in Miracles" ornaments and other dog-related decor
