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The 5th annual “Pay What You Please†tree sale took place Dec. 7 in Corrales, giving locals the chance to purchase Christmas trees for any donation amount. All proceeds from the event benefited the Presbyterian Ear Institute and the Parkinson’s Connection.
Organized by Dana Akenhead with the help of numerous volunteers, the event was hosted at the Sandia Bar. It featured festive holiday activities, including Santa and Mrs. Claus handing out toys and posing for photos with children, as well as hot chocolate and Christmas-themed games and activities for kids.
“We love the event, it’s a great cause and we hope to see everybody on the first Saturday of every year of December,†Akenhead said.
According to Akenhead, last year’s event raised $8,000 in 45 minutes. This year, more than half the 100 to 125 trees were sold within the first hour, with most gone after two hours. The trees have been donated by a farm in northeastern New Mexico over the last few years.Â
Attendees enjoyed refreshments from a food truck and drinks from Sandia Bar, with a portion of the bar’s sales contributing to the cause. Adding to the festivities, Sage Valley Pottery hosted a booth where children could paint blank ornaments.