Who We Are...

Wish Upon a Tree in Tampa was began in 2003 with a desire to "give back". Plain and simple. As the mother of a "special needs child", I felt it was right to give back to the community by contributing to various charities. The best way I could do that was to help them achieve their goals. So many folks have reached out to our family in difficult times. It gives you a great sense of responsibility and love to give back whenever possible. What better way to do that then spread seasonal holiday cheer! Whether it has been through programming, purchasing equipment for specific functions or supporting their fund raising efforts, we are there to help. None of this would be possible without my part-time dedicated, volunteers who work through the year to collect trees, organize theme items and share our message. Please make suggestions!

What We Do...

We create, donate and set up Silent Auction Fundraisers of "themed" Holiday Trees. At a given facility we map out a plan with their leadership.. Our goal is to set up the trees in their facility that we donate completely to the organization to be silent auctioned to their membership, guests or congregation! Trees are set up about a month prior to the holiday and taken down within 2 weeks to enjoy at home.

Trees that are auctioned come complete with lights, ornaments, garlands, skirting, tree toppers and so much more. All of our trees follow a theme. We also add to our trees by selecting gifts to go under the trees that match the theme. We look for unique and interesting ideas. Please offer your suggestions.

Some of the most successful trees have included themes such as:

• "Bake Me a Cake"
• "Sponge Bob Square Pants"
• "Dreaming of Disney"
• "All About Me"
• "Hooked on Fishing"
• "Red Hat Society"
• "Don't Mouse Around With This Cat"
• "Star Wars"
• "Sweet Treats"
• "It's A Dog's Life"

How It Works...

PSA announcements with photos are always a good way to get the print media involved in your fundraiser, send out announcements on social websites of your group or club. Place notices in the bulletins or newsletters going out to your membership.

Bidders must be 18 to place a bid. It is a commitment to purchase at the price they bid for. Many trees start anywhere from $10 to $25 dollars. People have been known to bid on several trees that they appreciate, just to stay a head of the game. We encourage bidders to visit often and keep track of the progress of their favorite tree. Visiting hours and times are all at the discretion of the facility.

When We Start...

We begin searching for the next year recipients in December. We start as early as possible, working with the facilities schedule. Our team of volunteers have been known to work over 150 hours of labor time within a week. We enjoy what we do and it shows!

What We Offer...

• We set up the trees, loan the necessary extension cords, power strips, tables, clipboards and easels. Plus we do own some floor stanchions and velvet ropes if needed.
• We check on the trees weekly or more if needed to monitor damages, lighting concerns, etc.
• We expect to be on-site the day the auction closes.
• We accept checks and cash payment.
• We call the highest bidders the day before the auction closes and remind them of the pick- up time and place. We contact the winners at 1:00pm on the day the auction closes.
• At the close of the auction we ask the facility to have their volunteers on site to assist winners in loading their trees or directing traffic.
• We collect all winning bids and write one check to the facility within 3 to five business days of the close of the auction.
• We deduct 150.00 of the total winnings to cover costs. This goes back into Wish Upon a Tree Tampa for next year's auctions.
• Our team removes all of our electrical cords, loaned tables, table covers, easels, clip boards, etc. at the close of the auction.