Community Corner
Tree Decorating Duel For Lighthouse of Oakland County in Birmingham
David C. McKnight will compete against Jon Gerych to support Lighthouse for Oakland County at the Townshend Hotel Sunday
Think it's too early to think tree decorations? Not at the Townsend Hotel this weekend. Two acclaimed Michigan artists will face each other in the first decorating duel for Lighthouse of Oakland County's (LOC) Lighting the Way for the Holidays annual kick-off event, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Northville's David C. McKnight, of Emerald City Designs, will go head-to-head with Jon Gerych of Fenton's Gerych's Flowers & Events to decorate a tree in less than two hours with a theme of sustainability.
The artists will use their own ornaments and must use decorations that embrace the theme of sustainability — a primary focus of LOC’s mission to provide sustainable programs to help transition clients out of poverty.
A mandatory "secret ornamentation" will be revealed before the duel.
Fox 2 Anchor Huel Perkins will moderate alongside Detroit News Columnist Neal Rubin, and a panel of celebrity judges will determine the winner. Both trees will be auctioned off live to the highest bidder after the announcement. Attendees will also vote for their favorite tree and bid on other holiday decor.
The evening supports LOC's holiday programs that help over 800 families. Find out more about its work and how to purchase tickets or donate.
Patch Editor Aysha Jamali contributed to this report.
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