Best of Branches - Blooming Prairie Branch 2006-07

For over 25 years, we have had a wonderful Christmas tradition that brings out the fun

and giving spirit of our members. Each December, we meet at a beautifully decorated home for

our Christmas White Elephant Auction. As we arrive, we place one or two enticingly wrapped

presents under the Christmas tree. After a relaxing visit over wine and appetizers, but before we

begin the silent auction, we decide where we will donate the proceeds. The presents that are

auctioned off vary from wonderful treasures to treasures that cause us to wonder what they are or

why they ever existed. The auction and presents themselves have us in fits of laughter.

Over the years, we have given several thousands of dollars to organizations such as the

AAUW Educational Foundation, the Blooming Prairie Education Foundation, Steele County

Women's Shelter or Food Shelf, the Boys and Girls Club, and other very worthy causes. This past

December, our group of fewer than 20 members had a lot of fun raising over $500. We think

most of us in the Blooming Prairie Branch would say this is our “best” tradition.