Marianne Paton Now on display at SunTrust Bank, this fully decorated Christmas tree is being raffled off and all proceeds will benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry.

For the third consecutive year, SunTrust Bank and Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays have teamed up to bring a special Christmas to one lucky islander and help to support an island charity. At this time, visitors to the Pine Island SunTrust Bank will find a fully decorated artificial Christmas tree displayed in the lobby of the bank. From now until Dec. 18 raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 or six for $5 and one lucky winner will be able to take the tree home just in time for the holidays. The winner of the Christmas tree need not be present to claim the prize. The tree is loaded with ornaments, many of which are one-of-a-kind that have been donated by Michael Robson, owner of Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays in Fort Myers. Each year all proceeds from raffle tickets sales have been donated to an island charity. This year’s beneficiary will be the Pine Island Food Pantry.

“The money raised by the Christmas tree raffle will be used to purchase food for families in need for Christmas,” said La Plante, pantry treasurer. “With so many islanders in need this holiday season, we are very pleased to have been named the charity for the raffle at this time.”

Charities benefiting from the Christmas tree raffle were FISH in 2007 and From Our Hearts in 2008.

Highly respected for his flair for holiday decorating, Michael Robson first came to Fort Myers in 1998 and since that time has established a large following. Clients now book his services at least one year in advance. Robson’s work has been featured at Sax Fifth Avenue and has been the subject of photographs in Grandeur magazine and the topic of several news features in local newspapers.

In addition to the talent of Robson, Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays is also operated by Josh Brown and Sharon George. Miss Lucy’s is located 14261 Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers and it is said that the window displays rival those found in New York City retail establishments. Covering 2,000 square feet of retail space, Miss Lucy’s features decorations from makers such as Swarovski Crystal, Faberge, Waterford, Crabtree and Evelyn.

Also on display at Miss Lucy’s are works from Pine Island artist Klaus Strubel who is noted for his floral images that appear to be three dimensional, images of wildlife and land and seascapes as well as for his outstanding work in miniature art. Originally from Germany, he and his wife relocated to Pine Island in 1997 and earned American citizenship in 2008. Since his arrival to the U.S. Strubel has become a member of the Miniature Art Society of Florida as well as the International Guild of Realism. In addition to his work displayed at Miss Lucy’s, Strubel’s paintings can also be found at the Mole Hole in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs and galleries from Virginia to California.

Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information about Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays, call 332-1002.