Kiwanis Announces ‘People’s Choice’ Tree Awards and Top Earners

Special to Dixon Patch

The is over and the results are in — it was another smashing success with 650 visitors that helped garner more than $6,000 for children and youth that will be distributed back into the community. There were 34 trees auctioned — a third more than last year’s.

Long, full, Pheasant feathers topped the large tree sponsored by and decorated by Liz Fuller and Mei-Lin Hanna of Dixon that took the ‘People’s Choice Award.’ It was decorated with large pinecones and gold-colored bird ornaments. A charming mini tree decorated with pink ornaments by the Daring Girls Club and sponsored by the North County Motorcycle Club won the honor for the mini trees.

Another tree that pulled a lot of votes was one sponsored by KC Pruett Trucking that was decorated by ‘Hope in Action,’ a group led by Liz Robben of

The ‘Top Earner’ Award this year goes to the -sponsored tree that was decorated by Arlene Gaulke as a ‘Children’s Touch Me Tree.’ Gaulke spent months hand-sewing dozens of cheery looking felt ornaments. Not far behind was last year’s winner, , along with Grand Rental Station’s tree, ‘Magic of Dr. Seuss’ that was decorated by Pam Chesser.

The Kiwanis Festival of Trees Committee also reported that their ‘Sponsors and Decorators Appreciation Reception’ that was held Sunday evening with special refreshments provided by Attorney John Tosney was also a big hit. Suzanne Lorente provided live music on her acoustical guitar while sponsors mingled with their tree’s decorators--various non-profit members, school groups, smaller businesses and/or individuals.

The giant silent tree auction was in its third year and was held at the .

“Funds will go toward our Kiwanis mission of serving children of the world—one child and one community at a time,” said Festival of Trees Chairwoman  and current Kiwanis President Debra Dingman who also noted that the Dixon is the event’s major sponsor. “Their contribution and support from their employees continues to be invaluable to us,” Dingman said.

Last year’s proceeds were given to for a special children’s program, the Dixon Community Education Foundation, and the with a small portion given to Kiwanis Family House, which provides temporary housing for families whose child is being treated at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Photos of this year’s event can be seen on the Dixon Kiwanis Facebook site. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Dixon Kiwanis Club can contact Marnie Nessen at (707) 678-7859 or can e-mail dixonkiwanis@hotmail.com for more information.