PIE to benefit from this year’s Christmas tree raffle
As the cooler weather arrives, many will find themselves in the holiday spirit.
Shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking and decorating fill idle hours, but for some it can be a rather taxing chore. However, SunTrust Bank can help to ease the load with a special raffle.
Serving as the host site for the annual Christmas tree raffle, tickets will be sold for a fully decorated artificial Christmas tree and proceeds will benefit one island charity.
The recipient this year will be the Pine Island Elementary School.
“I was stunned when I got the call to let me know that the school had been chosen to receive the funds from this year’s Christmas tree raffle. Again, it shows how generous this island community is and we are so lucky to be here,” Principal Rob Mazzoli said. “We urge individuals and groups to go and purchase tickets for this gorgeous tree and help to support their school. The funds raised will go far here at the school, providing educational tools for the children that they normally would not have, and I can’t thank SunTrust or the people of Pine Island enough for their continued support.”
On Friday, Nov. 19, and again on Friday, Dec. 3, Mazzoli said members of his staff will be on hand at the bank to assist those wishing to purchase raffle tickets and to show the school’s support of the fund-raiser.
The winner of the first tree raffled at SunTrust was won by island resident Carlyn Herring.
“I was lucky enough to win the tree the first year they did the raffle and I’m still using it every year,” Herring said. “This year’s tree is the prettiest tree I have ever seen, so I encourage everyone to support Pine Island Elementary School and buy your tickets today.”
The cost of the tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and will put the buyer in the running for a tree loaded with ornaments, many of which are one-of-a-kind, donated by Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays in South Fort Myers.
In previous Christmas tree raffles, FISH, the Beacon of HOPE, From Our Hearts and the Pine Island Food Pantry were presented with the proceeds.
Many of the ornaments on the tree were designed and crafted by artist and co-owner of Miss Lucy’s, Michael Robson. The theme for this year’s tree is “A Country Christmas” and ornaments include hand-carved wooden ornaments, as well as those that can be found in upscale department stores.
None of the decorations have been duplicated in other tree designs sold and distributed by Miss Lucy’s, making this tree truly unique.
For the last four consecutive years, Miss Lucy’s has contributed decorated trees to benefit selected local charities. Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays is located at the Park Shops of Andrea Lane.
According to Josh Brown, manager at Miss Lucy’s, the Christmas tree is valued at approximately $6,500 and only two other trees are donated to benefit Lee County charities.
“Each year we donate trees to be raffled to benefit Lee Memorial Health Systems and Goodwill, as well as Pine Island,” Brown said. “Pine Island was selected because Michael Robson and his mother both love the island and feel that it is often overlooked. So, they thought this donation was a good way to help that special community.”
To view the tree or to purchase raffle tickets, visit the SunTrust Bank on the corner of Stringfellow Road and Doug Taylor Circle during regular bank lobby hours. The winning ticket will be drawn on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and ticket holders need not be present to win.
PIE to benefit from this year’s Christmas tree raffle
As the cooler weather arrives, many will find themselves in the holiday spirit.
Shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking and decorating fill idle hours, but for some it can be a rather taxing chore. However, SunTrust Bank can help to ease the load with a special raffle.
Serving as the host site for the annual Christmas tree raffle, tickets will be sold for a fully decorated artificial Christmas tree and proceeds will benefit one island charity.
The recipient this year will be the Pine Island Elementary School.
“I was stunned when I got the call to let me know that the school had been chosen to receive the funds from this year’s Christmas tree raffle. Again, it shows how generous this island community is and we are so lucky to be here,” Principal Rob Mazzoli said. “We urge individuals and groups to go and purchase tickets for this gorgeous tree and help to support their school. The funds raised will go far here at the school, providing educational tools for the children that they normally would not have, and I can’t thank SunTrust or the people of Pine Island enough for their continued support.”
On Friday, Nov. 19, and again on Friday, Dec. 3, Mazzoli said members of his staff will be on hand at the bank to assist those wishing to purchase raffle tickets and to show the school’s support of the fund-raiser.
The winner of the first tree raffled at SunTrust was won by island resident Carlyn Herring.
“I was lucky enough to win the tree the first year they did the raffle and I’m still using it every year,” Herring said. “This year’s tree is the prettiest tree I have ever seen, so I encourage everyone to support Pine Island Elementary School and buy your tickets today.”
The cost of the tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and will put the buyer in the running for a tree loaded with ornaments, many of which are one-of-a-kind, donated by Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays in South Fort Myers.
In previous Christmas tree raffles, FISH, the Beacon of HOPE, From Our Hearts and the Pine Island Food Pantry were presented with the proceeds.
Many of the ornaments on the tree were designed and crafted by artist and co-owner of Miss Lucy’s, Michael Robson. The theme for this year’s tree is “A Country Christmas” and ornaments include hand-carved wooden ornaments, as well as those that can be found in upscale department stores.
None of the decorations have been duplicated in other tree designs sold and distributed by Miss Lucy’s, making this tree truly unique.
For the last four consecutive years, Miss Lucy’s has contributed decorated trees to benefit selected local charities. Miss Lucy’s House of Holidays is located at the Park Shops of Andrea Lane.
According to Josh Brown, manager at Miss Lucy’s, the Christmas tree is valued at approximately $6,500 and only two other trees are donated to benefit Lee County charities.
“Each year we donate trees to be raffled to benefit Lee Memorial Health Systems and Goodwill, as well as Pine Island,” Brown said. “Pine Island was selected because Michael Robson and his mother both love the island and feel that it is often overlooked. So, they thought this donation was a good way to help that special community.”
To view the tree or to purchase raffle tickets, visit the SunTrust Bank on the corner of Stringfellow Road and Doug Taylor Circle during regular bank lobby hours. The winning ticket will be drawn on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and ticket holders need not be present to win.