When Westlake Chamber of Commerce director Elena Ward told me that only $100 had been contributed to the Community Holiday Tree less than one week before it was scheduled to go up at the corner Bee Cave Road and Rollingwood Drive, the Chamber’s 10-year tradition appeared to be in danger of ending. But the business community responded with last-minute contributions, which resulted in the 11th year ending up with a surplus of more than $600 more than the cost $1,000 project.

Perhaps the reason for the overwhelming response had something to do with the fact that Ward is an eternal optimist who likely had a hard time thinking that the tradition was in jeopardy, much less stating it out loud. She has been and continues to be a key player in the ongoing success story. So, when she expressed alarm, the business community listened and responded appropriately.

Contributors of at least $100 for the effort were: Allen Benton of McDonald’s, Todd Smith of Fine Austin Living, Chris Harrison of American Bank, N.A., Rollingwood Mayor Dale Dingley, lawyer Terry Irion, Sheila Jagger of Treaty Oak Bank, Emily Ballenger of American Bank, N.A., Beverly Thomas of Westlake Properties, Sharon Schweitzer of The Protocol & Etiquette Academy, Louise Messano of Wash Day Laundry, Nikki Bryant of Lakehills Lending/Home Trust Mortgage, Kent Redding of Prudential Texas Realty, Laura Dooley of American Bank of Texas, N.A. and Don “Skeeter” Miller of County Line Bar-B-Que.

To say that the generosity of these community stalwarts is appreciated is an understatement to everyone who has been fortunate enough to have been involved in this long-running tradition. The supporters change a little each year, but several have contributed since the inception. Benton has provided an electrical outlet from McDonald’s, graciously paid the added electrical bill and had the outlet repaired on a couple of occasions from year one. Other contributors from the outset include Redding and the land owners, the city of West Lake Hills.

We hope area residents will join us in thanking each of these contributors. As a result of their willingness to give, the gateway to the Westbank once again shines bright through the holiday season.