PO‘IPU — Residents and visitors can bid on 55 specially decorated Christmas trees through Dec. 24, said Robert Ancheta of the Sheraton Kaua‘i. Ancheta heads up a project for employees which saw associates from the different departments at the Po‘ipu
PO‘IPU — Residents and visitors can bid on 55 specially decorated Christmas trees through Dec. 24, said Robert Ancheta of the Sheraton Kaua‘i.
Ancheta heads up a project for employees which saw associates from the different departments at the Po‘ipu resort and the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort decorate 18-inch high Christmas trees which will be offered to bidders.
The trees went on display Wednesday and people can bid through Dec. 24, Ancheta said. Prizes will be awarded for first through third place in eight categories with the winners being announced during the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Po‘ipu resort starting at 6 p.m., Friday.
In the bidding, each tree starts with a minimum of $20 with bids increasing in increments of $5 to a maximum of $50.
Ancheta said anyone who comes up with a $50 bid for a tree automatically wins that tree.
Proceeds from the auction of the trees will benefit the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort’s Hui Pu‘uwai, an employee group which contributes to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Visitor Industry Charity Walk and the Kaua‘i United Way.
For people who live off-island, postage, boxes and mailing of trees will be provided, Ancheta said.
“Robert is wonderful,” said Elli Gorman, the Human Resources Manager at the Sheraton Kaua‘i. “He came up with this concept, and originally, thought he would get 25 entries. But the employees kept picking up trees and now he has 55 entries. It’s just incredible.”
Judging categories include Best use of Theme, Most Traditional, Best Tree Top, Most Creative and/or Unique, Most Beautiful, Best Children’s Theme, Best Tree Skirt under the Tree display and Best of the Festival.
The trees are available for viewing and bidding in the lobby of the Ocean Wing.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
