Tree festival raises more than $20,000

The 15th annual Christmas Tree Festival raised over $20,000 Dec. 3 for the Thermopolis Community Fund.

The festival, held at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center for the second consecutive year, was well attended.

Auctioneer Gary Nash was in charge of auctioning off the trees and wreaths.

The bidding action was fast and furious Thursday night as community members bid on trees with titles like "Wooly Winter Wonderland" and "Have a Very Merry Bobcat Christmas."

Thermopolis Hardware, Red Rock Family Practice and Mortimore Funeral Home were some of the most frequent bidders of the night, with a dozen trees purchased between the three groups.

The most touching moment of the night came late in the bidding, when a special tree decorated by the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and entitled "A Tribute to Glenda Ramsey", was purchased then donated to Brenna Rankin's family.

Ramsey recently passed away after fighting a long battle with cancer.

Brenna is a young community member who is suffering from a rare form cancer. The Make a Wish Foundation is sending Brenna to Walt Disney World, and those in attendance Thursday night donated over $4,000 for Brenna and her family to enjoy their very special trip to Florida.