Oh What Fun it Is!
We had a great crowd show up for the annual Christmas Party at the Elks Lodge this year. Over 100 people attended bearing gifts for the Wichita Falls Fire Department Operation Santa. There were gifts of all sizes from bicycles to Barbie’s and all kinds of gifts you can imagine. We are blessed to have such a generous, giving association, not only when it comes to giving back to the community but maintaining the existence of the association as well.
Shrimp cocktail was served with chips and salsa as members arrived and began their fellowship with one another. After a great meal of Ribeye steak, loaded mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and rolls. President Michael Grassi presented the gifts to the Wichita Falls Fire Department representatives Randall Reel and J.J. Awtrey. Randall told guest, the fire department is very appreciative of the overwhelming contributions they receive from the association as well as the community of Wichita Falls. The fire department is able to give to families in the area a Christmas they may not have been able to have if not for the selflessness of the volunteers and residents of the community.
After the presentation, members and guest made for a festive evening in their holiday clothing and cheerful demeanor as they participated in the festivities. Each table was asked to choose one person from their table to act as a tree and allow the others to decorate them. There was a bonus table that allowed the designated captain from each table two 30 second chances to grab something extra to decorate with. The extras ranged from baby pins, two sided tape, prettier garland, a bigger or more decorative ornament, better scissors etc. There were around 12 trees.
What imaginations. The creativity in the room was extraordinary. The person, or tree as we called them, were wrapped in paper, tinsel and ornaments. Some were wrapped from head to toe while others may have only wrapped their limbs. Decorations were pinned or taped on the tree or even weaved into the garland with the hopes of withstanding any movements. People were wrapping and winding while others were chasing decorations across the floor. There was a 10 minute time limit to trim all the trees. The three wise man, the judges, assessed each tree and judged on the criteria of use of all materials initially supplied, uniqueness and completeness.
As the commentator and judge Eric Nelson commended everyone on a job well done. It did not make for an easy task trying to choose the top three. When they finally narrowed it down the audience was asked to choose by clapping, cheering and making the loudest noise for the one tree that stood out from the rest. The noise was tight and going through twice to make sure there was a clear winner, Jose Garcia was the best decorated Christmas tree. Each member at the winning table received gift cards to Road House.
The evening wasn’t complete until we finished drawing for the awesome door prizes donated by the 2016 NTHBA Partners, Diamond – Atmos Energy, Platinum – First National Bank of Wichita Falls and Guarantee Title Company and announcing the winner of the drawing for the TV donated by Harmon & Holcomb Homes.
We thank each and every one of you for your dedication to helping the association be sustainable in its efforts to keep the housing industry vital and affordable.