Tree Auction thank you

Editor,

With the conclusion of this year’s Christmas Tree Auction sponsored by Porterville Sheltered Workshop at River Island, I would like to personally thank everyone who participated and sponsored the event.

It always seems like a lot of work to put together, but in the end it was a pleasant evening and everyone had a good time.

The auction was a success, with over $54,000 being generated for our local nonprofit organizations. That is $10,000 more than the event generated last year. This is remarkable, particularly given the state of our economy and the general “busy” of the holiday season.
This event could not have happened without the help and contributions of a lot of good people. I would particularly like to thank Marti McCormick, Allan Bailey, Janice Castle, Sheri Babcock and Gary Mekeel — all members of the PSW Foundation Committee. The PSW Board of Directors, including Board President Karen Johns and Foundation Committee Chair John Sawyer, and especially Board Member Laurie Pugh (who did as much to pull this event off as anyone!). Our erstwhile auctioneer, Gary Gostanian. The many members of the PSW staff who spent a great deal of time putting things together and pulling this off.
Many organizations donated to our success as well. Bank of the Sierra, Walmart DC, Jack Ahart Insurance, Giant Sequoia Monument Association, Weisenberger’s, Sierra View District Hospital, River Island Country Club, Kendall Collins, the Westroza Family and many others.

We are fortunate to live in an area in which generosity and concern for our neighbor is such a vibrant part of who we are. Thank you all for your kind support of all of the organizations involved in this event.

John Nash
Executive Director
Porterville Sheltered Workshop