The 12th annual Christmas Tree Lane Auction for Act for MS was held on December 1st at Augusta Restaurant in Palm Desert. Decorated trees were on display at Insanity and Denise Roberge stores and Augusta Restaurant from Nov. 21st thru Dec. 1st for purchase. These trees are decorated by Celebrities and local supporters of Act for MS. All proceeds go directly to the charity.The Auction is held on the last day of the event.
Celebrities lend their names to these trees. Some of the celebrities included Designer Michael Costello, Author Andrew Neiderman, singers Carol Connors, Jerry Vale and Barry Manilow. Some celebrities have donated trees for many years. The iconic Carol Channing comes to the event each year. Channing made her presence again this year with 2 broken ribs and came in a wheelchair. This is what you call a real trooper. Emcees Jack Jones and Ruta Lee also have trees for sale at this auction. Actor Bryan Cranston and Fred the Hammer Williamson had trees made. Trees are designed by local artisans. Williamsons tree honored Wounded Warriors.
Long time supporters Jim Houston, Harold Matzner and Jackie Autry all came early to buy a couple trees before the auction. Autry donated a tree for her husband Cowboy actor Gene Autry but purchased a different tree so his tree could be auctioned. Other trees came from businesses in the Desert. Some trees are sold at the auction for thousands of dollars knowing the money will go to a worthy cause. A few buy the trees to donate them to other charities in the Desert.
