Green Trees art auction is a wondrous success, thanks to community support

The mission of Green Trees Early Learning Center is “to educate children of all backgrounds, cultivate strong roots, and open doors to the wonders around us.”

It is fitting, then, that its first annual art auction held Dec. 10 at 403 Broad Restaurant was itself full of wonder. It was in the spirit of the audience, the art, and especially the auctioneer, Mayor Sean Strub, who moved everything along with skill and good humor. The atmosphere was joyous and supportive.

Many in the audience were parents, friends, and artists themselves. In fact, many of the artists bid on art by others, which is somewhat unusual.

The event was sponsored by Mayor Strub, Davis Chant Realtor, 403 Broad Restaurant, the Hotel Fauchère, and artist Rebecca Lindsey, who donated many works of art from her collection.

Robert John Keiber organized the artists and did a terrific job. Cera Albert, program director, also lent support.

Diane Guendel, head of the board of directors, chaired the event. Mary Jo Rebe, the director of Green Trees, presented the auctioned art to the bid winners. Rebe was delighted with the results.

“This is the most money we have raised from a single event, and we are really excited about what we can do with it to benefit Green Trees and the community," she said.

Green Trees has infant classes, young and older toddler classes, preschool/ pre-K classes, and school age classes. They provide flexible schedules to fit every parent’s need, nutritious food, and a S.T.E.A.M. program that integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It's all done by dedicated experienced teachers.

The audience at this first auction pulled together to make the event successful and to assure that there would, indeed, be a second annual art auction next year.

For more information, call Green Trees at 570-296-9404 or email Mary Jo Rebe at director@greentreeselc.com. The learning center is located at 102 Route 2001 in Milford.