Connie Peiffer, member of the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council. Fine art helped to raise $14,473 at this year’s Tree-A-Rama Charity Auction, which was held on Saturday at The Art Garage in Port Clinton. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

There were some changes made for this year’s 18th annual Tree-A-Rama Charity Auction, transitioning the major fundraiser for The Salvation Army’s Port Clinton Service Unit into one of the top parties of the Christmas season.

The Tree-A-Rama was welcomed into the new The Arts Garage (TAG), 317 W. Perry St., Port Clinton by the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council (GPCAAC). The new venue provided a festive atmosphere, and a lot of volunteer efforts filled the facility with decorative Christmas trees, holiday greenery, and a wide range of artwork, gift certificates, sports paraphernalia and winery tours, among other auction items.

Cleveland Browns fan Gabe Rizer of Catawba Island successfully bid on a Cleveland Browns football signed by offensive lineman Wyatt Teller at The Salvation Army’s Tree-A-Rama Charity Auction. The event was hosted by the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council’s The Art Garage in Port Clinton. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

“Everyone had a wonderful time visiting TAG, which is a new jewel in downtown Port Clinton, and the long list of auction items were a tremendous hit this year,” said Director Maureen Saponari of the Salvation Army. “We raised $14,473 to support the Salvation Army’s residents in need, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.”

The financial support for residents includes financial assistance with rent, mortgages, utilities,

prescriptions, transportation, gas cards, clothing and food throughout the year.

Last year, the Salvation Army served nearly 1,000 children with Christmas gifts. This year, officials have seen an increase in need for overall financial assistance. Each holiday season the Salvation Army also partners with various social agencies, the Toys for Tots program out of Perrysburg and Ottawa County communities to provide toys for local children.

Bill Steinle Jr.’s front door will feature a uniquely artistic Christmas Wreath this holiday season. Joined by Maureen Saponari of The Salvation Army, Steinle was the winning bidder at Saturday’s Tree-A-Rama Charity Auction at The Art Garage in Port Clinton for the 30-inch by 30-inch hand-crafted Grapevine Christmas Wreath. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

The top five auction items at this year’s Tree-A-Rama, and the winning bids, were: A Gideon Owen Wine Cellar Tour for eight people ($500); A Day in Ottawa County hosted by Our Guest Inn, Jet Express, McCarthy’s Restaurant and Jet Port ($400); “Glitterific Christmas Tree” from Evolved Salon Studios ($250); Christmas Grapevine Wreath from Distinctive Merriments ($250); and a luxurious Spa Catawba Gift Basket ($220).

Saponari praised professional auctioneers Len Partin and Greg and Norm Peiffer for their spirited efforts, TAG and GPCAAC, Charlie and Sara Burns, and wealth of volunteers, donors, sponsors, bidders and the community.