The Hays Area Children’s Center (HACC) is hosting their annual Christmas Tree Lane and Auction Saturday, November 23rd.  Kelly Koerner, Community Relations Coordinator, told Hays Post that this event has been held in the community for around 25 years.  Proceeds go to the three programs offered by the HACC: the infant toddler early intervention program, healthy start home visitor program, and the licensed childcare located within the facility.

The event will include a buffet-style meal, honoring of two distinguished HACC staff members, a silent auction at 6:00 pm, and a live auction at 7:00 pm, along with a couple of other surprises.

This year, 21 decorated Christmas trees will be auctioned off.  Koerner said the trees range in size from small to large, with the largest (which she referred to as the “crowning tree”) peaking at 7 feet tall, decorated and donated by Larry and Peggy Sevier.  Anyone who wins a trees they aren’t able to personally transport home will be delivered on Sunday by HACC staff.

Business Administrator Teresa Hammerschmidt said that last year the event brought in over $22,000.  She says that each year their goal is to offer something new to get a little more for HACC.

“It’s so helpful for us at this time of year to have the extra funds for our programs.  It just goes a long way to helping a lot of children.”

Koerner added that this event is a great way for the community to give back to children in HACC programs.

“The children of our community are very special, and everything that is involved with this event is done out of love for the children who live in our community.”

The event is Saturday, November 23rd at the Fox Pavilion located at 1202 Main St, Hays.  Doors open at 5:30 pm, and tables will be set up to allow for meal tickets to be sold at the door the night of the event.  A $50 donation will earn one meal ticket to the buffet and entry to the evening’s events.