'Tux and Trees' charity gala Dec. 5

Morning news anchor Sarah Augusthy and charity auctioneer Scott Robertson will co-host the "Tux and Trees" charity auction on Friday, Dec. 5.

The Festival of Trees is Southwest Florida's premier holiday showcase and the Tux and Trees Gala is the signature fundraising event of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. Last year's inaugural event raised more than $55,000 to support Goodwill's mission of helping people with disabilities and other disadvantages overcome their barriers to employment and independence.

As a journalist, Ms. Augusthy has won numerous awards, including a coveted Telly Award for her educational documentary about the governorship in the state of Kansas.

Mr. Robertson has been a professional auctioneer since 1994, and for the last five years has focused strictly on fundraising auctions for non-profit organizations. His expertise helped raise about $5 million for various nonprofit organizations.

The 2008 Festival of Trees is hosted by the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers' River District. The showcase is open to the public for holiday viewing from Nov. 28 through Dec. 3. Mr. Robertson and Ms. Augusthy will be on hand to auction the beautifully decorated trees and lavish wreaths at the invitationonly "Tux and Trees" black-tie gala on Friday, Dec. 5.

For more information about the Festival of Trees, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Ginny Cooper at Divine Events & Marketing at 297-3638. View "Tux and Trees" online at www. tuxandtrees.com.