Although the days are warm, the mosquitoes are still buzzing around, and the holidays seem miles away, it is time to start planning for this year's Holiday Charity Auction. The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor this second annual event, on Thursday, November 15, 2007. Last year was a great success, with 29 Chamber members donating over 30 decorated trees and wreaths for the auction. Their generosity along with the many participants in the bidding rose over $3300 for 3 local not-for-profit organizations in our community. The money was divided between Care and Share, the Marshall County Neighborhood Center and the Red Cross Food Pantry. We are looking forward to your support again this year.

We have made some special additions to the event for 2007. We are adding centerpieces to our items and will be limiting the number of centerpieces and wreaths entered to the first 30. In addition, we will only be offering limited edition spots to the first 10 decorated trees. Since we are holding the event earlier this year, people will be able to bid on wreaths and centerpieces for use from the middle of November to the end of the holiday season. If your business or organization would like to decorate and donate a holiday item, you may choose to theme your entry for Autumn, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or general holiday decoration.

This year the Marshall County Historical Museum will once again host the event. Beginning at 5:00 PM, catered hors d'oeuvres and drinks, thank you to Embarq again this year, with the auction beginning at 6:00 PM. Sam Goebel, RE/MAX Oak Crest Realty and Oak Crest Auctions are donating their services to the event again this year. The money raised will go to benefit Rebuilding Together, Marshall County Single Families, and The Marshall County Historical Society. Each of these organizations represents an important part of the service and economic development in our community.

Entries need to be completed and dropped of at the museum by November 5th and will be displayed at the museum for the public to view until the night of the auction on November 15th. Anyone is allowed to participate in the creations and the auction. One of each tree, wreath and centerpiece will receive the title of 'People's Choice Award' which is determined by your votes. With a one-dollar donation per vote, anyone can vote once or many times for their favorite tree, wreath and/or centerpiece. We will announce the 'People's Choice Awards' the night of the auction on November 15th. The museum will have a special Open House on Saturday, November 9th from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, to showcase the holiday creations.

Contact the chamber for more information or to reserve your spot for a tree, wreath or centerpiece created by your organization. Since a limited number of items will be accepted for this event on a first-come, first-served basis, you should reserve your spot as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing and showcasing your creations.