LA GRANDE — Another Festival of Trees, another record-breaking show of local generosity.

The net proceeds raised for the community at the 38th Festival of Trees in La Grande, conducted Dec. 1-2, came in at over $160,000, according to Shayla Rollins, the chair of the Festival of Trees. This total tops the 2022 record total of $75,000.

“It is amazing how generous this community is,” said Rollins, a member of Soroptimist International of La Grande, which puts on the festival each year.

Funds raised at the event include $45,250 that will be provided to students in Union County studying to become health care professionals such as nurses. Another $13,700 will go toward scholarships to students from Union County.

Money was raised from the auction of decorated Christmas trees and other activities, including a “Raise Your Paddle” event. Individuals who wanted to donate money would raise a paddle during the fundraiser. Other live auction items and silent auction gift baskets were also part of the evening.

A total of 25 decorated Christmas trees — 21 large ones and four mini trees, less than 4 feet tall — plus a wreath were sold to the highest bidders in a spirited auction at the Dec. 2 gala.

The decorated tree that drew the highest bid was a large one that went for $11,250. The tree and package, titled “All Roads Lead to Home this Christmas,” was sponsored by Country Financial and The Other Guys Auto.

Five of the trees were delivered to the homes of the winning bidders on Dec. 2 and the remainder were delivered on Dec. 3.

The trees were decorated Nov. 30 at the Blue Mountain Conference Center by groups who donated and sponsored the trees. The groups worked up to eight hours decorating trees, Rollins said.

Many of the Christmas trees auctioned at the gala remained on display Dec. 2 during the Festival of Trees Family Fun Day.