El Reno’s Blessing Baskets celebrated its 10th Annual Festival of the Trees last week with what organizers said was the largest attendance to date. 

Held at the Palace Event Center, the Festival of the Trees, Christmas in July was “extremely successful. This was our 10th annual festival, and each year we have continued to see a growth in the attendance. Our community is truly amazing. Everyone had an incredible time for a truly awesome cause,” said Donna Dyer, Blessing Baskets Director of Community Relations. 

“We are grateful to our sponsors for the festival and thrilled with the turnout of our community.”

Accompanying the colorful event was the announcement Blessing Baskets will be building a permanent home in the coming months. The building will be constructed in the Crossroads Pointe development, with the new Blessing Baskets center being built at 2725 Crossroads Blvd. 

As he has for a number of years, former El Reno Mayor Matt White served as auctioneer.

“Matt White did a phenomenal job as our auctioneer,” Dyer said. “He infused the event with passion and humor, making it fun and profitable.”

The event is pulled off almost entirely by volunteers. That included Marilyn Arnold along with Mike Crowley providing food for the dinner. Crowley and Larry Schwarz again provided smoked meats for the event. 

“Marilyn’s delicious foods accompanied the delectable smoked meats provided by Mike and Larry. Doing this event in July really makes us appreciate the work Mike and Larry do in smoking the meat in the middle of the summer heat,” Dyer said. 

Although the ornately decorated Christmas trees are the star of the show, dozens of other unique auction items in all price ranges offered something for just about everyone, Dyer said. 

“Our board members and volunteers put their heart into the preparation and the results are fabulous,” Dyer said. 

Debbie Denwalt, Blessing Baskets treasurer and one of the founding members, said numbers were still being tallied, but it appears the event will break the record in terms of funds raised. 

“Debbie, Jamie Von Tungeln and other Blessing Baskets members have been working on the festival auction items for months,” Dyer said. “Without our volunteer board and everyone who helps, we would not be able to be successful not only at the festival but throughout the year with our three missions.” 

Blessing Baskets has been in operation now for 26 years. Its mission is to serve the community and surrounding area, especially in addressing food insecurity.

The three programs it operates include the Families with Children Grocery Program, the Senior Citizens Monthly Grocery Program and the Christmas Assistance Program. 

Throughout the year, Blessing Baskets helps literally hundreds of families with food and 600 children enjoy a Christmas because of the generous efforts of the organization. 

High grocery prices have led to an increase in food needs in the community, Dyer said. 

“We are seeing an increasing need within our community,” she said.

“The funds will be put to good use helping those in need within western Canadian County.”

To enroll in one of the programs, call the Blessing Baskets office at 405-215-9224.

For volunteer information, contact Dyer at 405-802-6275.