Press Release
The Geauga County Library Foundation, in partnership with the Geauga County Public Library, is pleased to announce the return of the Winter Wonderland of Trees fundraiser for its second year. This annual event invites community members to sponsor, decorate, and bid on patron-decorated Christmas trees, with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s mission to support youth literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement throughout Geauga County.
Beginning Monday, October 13, library patrons can pledge $30 donation to sponsor a 24” artificial Christmas tree. Sponsored trees will be available for pickup at local library branches starting Monday, October 13. Participants are asked to take their tree home, decorate it, and return it to their local library branch by Friday, November 7. Last year’s entries included creative themes such as Harry Potter, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and local Geauga County history.
Want to sponsor a tree but have someone else do the decorating? Just let one of our staff know, and we’ll be happy to match your tree up with a decorator.
Tree sponsorships may be completed online or in person. Online sponsorships can be submitted at secure.lglforms.com. In-person sponsorships are available at all library branches, where patrons may pay with cash or check (payable to Geauga County Library Foundation) at the Circulation Desk and complete a Tree Purchase Form. Once a sponsorship is complete, the sponsor’s information will be attached to the tree at pickup and during the auction to honor their support.
The fundraiser’s auction will open on Monday, November 17, and will close on Friday, December 5. A majority of trees will be auctioned through an online silent auction platform, accessible at givebutter.com or via QR codes displayed with each tree. A limited number of trees will be reserved for in-person bidding using paper bid sheets located at library branches. All trees will be on public display at each Geauga County Public Library branch throughout the auction period for in-person viewing. Winning bids will be finalized on December 5, and winners will be contacted directly in the coming days.
Key Dates at a Glance
October 13: Tree sponsorship and pickup begins
November 7: Deadline to return decorated trees
November 17 – December 5: Online and in-person auctions begin
December 5: Online and in-person auctions conclude
The Winter Wonderland of Trees fundraiser offers a unique way for the community to support the library while celebrating the holiday season. Every tree sponsored and every bid placed directly contributes to the continued success of library programs and resources across Geauga County.
“We’re excited to bring back the Winter Wonderland of Trees for a second year. It is a special way for our community to come together and celebrate the season!” said Debbie Schrock, Development Coordinator. “Every decorated tree tells a story, and every bid makes a difference.”
For more information about the fundraiser, sponsorship, or auction, contact the Geauga County Library Foundation or visit geaugalibrary.libcal.com.