It was a fine example of a community banding together to support its kids.

Festival of Trees, held one weekend earlier this month, brought in a huge chunk of cash to benefit two Whidbey Island not-for-profit organizations.

Held from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 at the Elk’s Lodge in Oak Harbor, Festival of Trees netted approximately $45,000, to be divided equally between Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Island County and Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse.

“The money will enable the agencies to provide expanded services and programs for the youth throughout Island County,” said Amy Beckner, of CADA, in a prepared statement.

Festival of Trees began with a gala auction on Friday evening. Attendees bid on donated, decorated Christmas trees during a silent auction. More than 200 people attended the gala, at $50 per ticket, and attendance and auctioned items alone brought in about $32,000.

One tree, theme-named “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” voted the “People’s Choice” tree, was auctioned off for $1,900.

Other events throughout the weekend also proved to be very popular and brought in additional cash for the organizations. The two Teddy Bear Breakfasts on Saturday morning had more than 250 children and adults in attendance, and the afternoon High Tea attracted more than 100 adults.

On Sunday, the general public was welcomed to stroll through the Elk’s Lodge to enjoy viewing of the trees, and admission was a donation of any amount.

Festival of Trees is already being planned for next year, to take place on Dec. 6 through 8, 2002.