— from Jenole Peacock —
Orcas Island resort sponsors fundraiser for non-profits
Veronica San Martin who decorated the coastal-themed tree for OPAL Community Land Trust.
Christmas trees return to light up the Moran Mansion at Rosario Resort & Spa during the month of December, decorated by ten local non-profit organizations. Sponsored by the resort, the Festival of Trees is designed to be a fundraiser during this holiday season for participating organizations, including returning organizations Orcas Island Choral Society, Friends of Moran State Park, Orcas Island Children’s House, Orcas Animal Protection Society, Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria, Kaleidoscope, The Funhouse Commons, OPAL Community Land Trust, and welcoming newcomers Wolf Hollow and Orcas Family Health Center.
The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree by purchasing a vote at $1 per ticket throughout the entire month of December. Each organization will receive the voting dollars, with the top three most voted trees winning additional cash prizes from Rosario Resort. All voter tickets will also be entered into a raffle to win prizes, including two roundtrip tickets from Orcas Island to Seattle on Kenmore Air with a two-night hotel stay, dinner for two at The Mansion Restaurant, and a two-month Rosario spa pass.
“I wish I could accurately express how delighted guests and visitors are to enter Moran’s wonderful home and see the grandeur heightened by the beautifully decorated and lit trees, while at the same time, how profoundly grateful these organizations are for the contributions and giving of the visitors and community. I’m humbled to witness such a spirit of giving throughout December and only hope that we can continue to draw more people to come be a part of and experience it as well,” said Jenole Peacock, the event organizer.
The Moran Mansion is open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the front desk of Rosario before touring the tree display. A special open house will be held on Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 22 with complimentary hot apple cider and cookies available. Enjoy caroling by the Orcas Island Choral Society on Friday, December 20 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Beers and Brats on Sunday, December 22 from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m., featuring a rotating, casual, pub-style chalkboard menu, 50% off the entire beer list, and fun, stimulating trivia starting at 6 p.m.
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