The Tarleton Clyde Wells Fine Arts Center will host the “Deck the Halls” Tree Decorating Contest and Silent Auction to benefit 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Compassion Counseling Center, Inc. in conjunction with the annual Cross Timbers Civic Chorale and Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestra Handel’s Messiah concert on Sat., Dec. 3rd.
Individuals, groups, and businesses are invited to decorate a tree no larger than 6 feet in height to be displayed at the Fine Arts Center beginning Mon., Nov. 21st.
An independent group of judges will evaluate the decorated trees on creativity/originality, theme, holiday spirit, and visual appeal. Awards will be given to the best tree in each category as well as the best overall tree. The winning bidder of each tree will receive the tree to be displayed at a local location, along with any plaques that the tree is awarded.
In 18 months of operation, Compassion has accrued over 1600 hours of counseling to area residents, while also helping counseling students finish degree requirements. Board Sec. MaryAnn Arnold said, “Compassion is ‘filling in the gaps’ where other organizations are unable to help because of cost or grant restrictions. We have seen lives changed positively because of Compassion and we believe that is valuable to Stephenville. Since we are new, funding is scarce and clients often can’t afford to pay more. We rely upon donations to cover what the fees do not.”
