Organizations will once again have the opportunity to get creative while promoting their cause this holiday season by placing a tree in the Weisman Enchanted Forest 2009.

"It is a great opportunity for the different non-profit and civic organizations to raise funds for their charities," said organizer Billie Bradbury. "We would love a really good participation."

Groups supply their own artificial tree of any size, decorations, lights and labor. The tree is then put up in the Weisman Center, where extension cords, power strips and advertising are provided free of charge.

"This is the second year for the event, and I need more people to sign up," said Ms. Bradbury. "The entry deadline is Nov. 11."

Participating groups will set up their trees together on Nov. 22.

Trees will be bid on by silent auction from setup to and Dec. 3, the night of the reception. Each group sets its own reserve price. Proceeds will be divided with 90 percent going to the organization and 10 percent to the host.

Mayor William "Buddy" Power is expected to be the master of ceremonies at the reception.

"Last year there was one tree with handmade paper chains from the Boys and Girls Clubs," said Ms. Bradbury. "It was one of the first trees that had a bid on it by a gentleman from the Dallas area, who said it brought back nostalgic memories for him."

Other groups, like the Harrison County Relay For Life, used their mission to build a theme tree.

"The Harrison County Relay For Life had a tree all done in purple. They had put a lot of thought into it," she said.

"There were also a couple of breast cancer awareness trees with pink ribbons and ornaments on them."

Ambucs, the group that supplies bicycles for children who can't use their legs, put pictures of their children on ornaments.

"They were really diverse with a lot of thought put into them, a lot of meaning," said Ms. Bradbury.

For more information contact Ms. Bradbury at 903-472-8828 or bradbury@republicind.com or Debbie Smith at the Weisman Center at 903-934-8836.