Let the festivities begin

John Kelleher Havre Daily News [email protected]

Barb Fournier started volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line shortly after it opened in 2002. She soon found herself on the board of directors. She's seen effect the club has had on young people throughout the area, including her grandson. "He says 'it's like a family to me,'" she said. The club offers young people everything from computer games to pool, to after-school activities, To Mary Jo Borlaug, the club offers young people wholesome educational and recreational activities. That's why they are on the committee for the second annual Festival of Trees that on will raise funds for the club. Fournier, who chairs the committee, said the event scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 is an opportunity for people to get together, enjoy the spirit of the holidays, listen to good music provided by the Ray Miller Band, bid on the trees decorated by 13 area organizations, taste the hors 'devours and take part in the silent auction for goods donated by area businesses. And, most importantly, it is an opportunity to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club, the cause the committee members believe in so strongly. Last year more than $22,000 was raised. Tickets, $20 this year, will soon go on sale. Twelve area businesses and social organizations have already committed to decorating trees for the festival. Last year, there were 10. Groups are already planning their trees. The Thursday Morning Coffee Group is already making ornaments for its tree, Fournier said. And Kmart designed a toy-filled tree that was popular with children. The trees are elegantly decorated, and people attending the festival have a chance to bid on them. The planning will take place in coming weeks, Fournier said. Like last year, there has been tremendous community interest and support. "We just want to make it better every year," she said.