The Davenport Noon Optimist Club will continue its more than 70-year tradition beginning Saturday, Nov. 22, with the opening of their Christmas Tree Lot at the Brady Street Stadium.
Bringing the spirit of Christmas into Quad Cities is an annual fundraiser for the longtime service club.
In fact, the club celebrated its 85th anniversary with an event Thursday night, Nov. 20, at Common Chord in Davenport.
The milestone anniversary came as the Optimist Club’s members and volunteers have been busy unloading more than 400 Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine and Black Hills Spruce trees in preparation of their annual Christmas Tree Sale. The lot, located in front of the school stadium, will open for the season at 10 a.m. Nov. 22, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23.
The lot will be closed Thanksgiving week but re-opens on Black Friday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Regular hours will then begin Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 5-7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, while supplies last.
Shipped in from northern Michigan, this year’s trees range in size from 5 feet to 11 feet with prices starting at $50. This year, the lot also will feature an after-hours honor system option, allowing customers to access online payment with an available QR code.
According to the club, the trees typically sell out in just a few weeks. The annual tradition raises roughly $20,000 that goes directly to benefit more than 40 youth-focused partner charities and activities throughout the community.
The club’s community partners for the event include: Shaw Electric and Green Space Associates. Davenport Central High School Vocal Music Boosters and students also volunteer and share in a portion of the fundraiser’s proceeds.
Davenport Noon Optimist Club is part of Optimist International, whose mission is to bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves by providing hope and positive vision. Every year, Optimists around the world conduct 65,000 service projects and serve well over 6 million youth.
The Davenport Noon Optimist Club serves youth in the Quad Cities with financial support and hands-on projects.
