WI-Sheboygan-Festival of Trees Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2006

[TKvanB]

Over the past weekend Dec1-3, Midwest Garrison Members in Wisconsin celebrated the 17th annual Sheboygan County Festival of Trees by creating and displaying a Star Wars-inspired Christmas tree to be auctioned for charity.

"Since its inception 16 years ago, the Sheboygan County Festival of Trees http://www.sheboyganfestivaloftrees.org/ has donated $941,500 for the benefit of family oriented charities in Sheboygan County Wisconsin. These charities reflect the mission to serve organizations which provide fundamental services to children and families. Proceeds from the 2006 Festival of Trees were contributed to 9 Sheboygan area family service organizations." The Charities http://www.sheboyganfestivaloftrees.org/charities.htm

Rob Roidt (AKA Mr. Christmas & stormtrooper TK321) designed the tree called "Wish Upon the Stars" which sold at the auction for over $2,000. Trent Thornton (TK585) and Beth Johnson (TB5852) helped Rob decorate the tree last week. All ornaments, lights, decorations and Star Wars toys including Star Wars Super-Deformed characters, Darth Tater and SpudTrooper were donated by local Midwest Garrison Members and friends.

Our Members were on hand in costume for the opening gala and auction held on November 30th and then for the following 3 days for the public viewing.
Many children admired our Member's handiwork and made their own Christmas wishes. Who wouldn't be overjoyed at seeing a Christmas tree completely filled with Star Wars toys AND accompanied by their favorite life-sized characters from the saga!?! That is definitely a wish-come-true!


Our Members also made the front page of the local newspaper



Event pictures by Dan Patterson (TK787): Pictures by 787 CLICK HERE

Garrison Members pictured in various photos:

Darth Vader, Trent Thornton SL585
Princess Leia, Beth Johnson TB5852
Stormtrooper, Rob Roidt TK321
ARC Trooper, Jason Piekarz TK257

Sheboygan Festival of Trees Nov 30th - Dec 1st-3rd
viewtopic.php?t=4914

Newspaper pictures

Pictures by 787

It was Very busy Saturday the pictures say most everything,the tree sold for $2000 + on the first night.

Thank You to Robb TK321 for Overall Design

For Toy Donations I'd like to Thank

Jason Piekarz 257
Jason Mc Gill (Local Officer)
Dan Patterson 787
Jim Nieciecki 1139
Eric Larson (film con)
Josh Kapellen (5 yrs old)
Anonymous Trooper

and Troy Noel for bringing R2-D2 thank you so much.

[TKvanB]

"Can I see your blaster"



Why do we always fall for that one?

[TKvanB]

.......the tree........




"......and there's a TIE fighter ...and the Millenium Falcon ...and an X-Wing.. and Yoda...and R2D2....and Greedo....and..."

"Mom-mom-mom, can we get a tree like that?"


"Do you think it comes with the life-sized Darth Vader?"

[TKvanB]

Page 4 of the December 19 Issue of Bantha Tracks On-Line features an entire page with 6 pictures about this event!

Festival of Trees, Star Wars-Style
The "Wish Upon the Stars" tree raised over $2000 for Wisconsin family charities

http://www.starwars.com/hyperspace/memb ... dexp4.html


Festival of Trees, Star Wars-Style
December 19, 2006

Since its inception 16 years ago, the Festival of Trees in Sheboyagn County, Michigan has raised almost a million dollars for family-oriented charities in the region. Area Star Wars fans have played no small part in the festival, making it a tradition to decorate a Star Wars-themed tree to be auctioned at the Festival.

Rob Roidt of the Midwest Garrison designed this year's Star Wars tree, called 'Wish Upon the Stars.' Trent Thornton and Beth Johnson, also of the Garrison, helped Rob decorate."

A child admires the Wish Upon the Stars tree created by the Wisconsin Midwest Garrison for the Festival of Trees, December 1 through 3. The tree was auctioned to benefit local charities, and sold for more than $2000.00.

"The charities benefited by the Festival of Trees reflect the mission to serve organizations which provide fundamental services to children and families," writes Kathy Van Beuningen of the Midwest Garrison. "Proceeds from the 2006 Festival of Trees were contributed to 9 Sheboygan area family service organizations."

The "Wish Upon the Stars" tree was loaded with lights and ornaments. The decorations included a large number of Star Wars toys, "super deformed" Star Wars characters, Darth Tater and Spud Trooper, and Hallmark Star Wars ornaments. "All ornaments, lights, decorations and Star Wars toys were donated by local Midwest Garrison Members and friends," reports Van Bueningen.

"Members of the Midwest Garrison supported the opening gala on November 30th, and then were on hand with their tree for three days of public viewing. "Who wouldn't be overjoyed at seeing a Christmas tree completely filled with Star Wars toys and accompanied by their favorite life-sized characters from the saga?" says Van Beuningen. "That is definitely a wish-come-true!" Thanks to Kathy van Beuningen for reporting to Bantha Tracks, and to Dan Patterson for photographs.