November 21, 2015 will mark the end of a glittering era. Behavior Management Systems (BMS) will celebrate its 18th and final year of hosting the Annual Festival of Trees holiday party.  This is the only fundraiser BMS holds each year; raising over $1.5 million to assist with its mission to help people cope with the stresses of life. Reservations are required for the holiday party. The venue is  Best Western/Minerva's Convention Center II located at 2111 N. LaCrosse Street in Rapid City. Tickets are $70 per person or $560 for a table of eight. A delicious dinner will be served with salad, rolls, vegetable, choice of entree and mini desserts. The entree' choices are top sirloin steak, champagne chicken or a bacon wrapped pork chop. Wine will be served during dinner.

This evening features a silent auction, "Heads or Tails" game and the highlight of the evening; the live auction. This will be your last opportunity to buy one of the gorgeous wreaths or trees that are always beautiful and will last you for several years. We will have 10 large trees, 5 small trees and 5 wreaths in the live auction.

Before the live auction day arrives, you are invited to view the trees at the Rushmore Mall. Talented local designers will be gathering at the Mall in the Herberger's corridor Thursday, November 5, from 8 am - 3 pm.  Some of the designers will bring their completed creations and others will actually start from scratch. It is fun to observe their talents and ask a few questions to learn some of their decorating tips.

In the nearby Santa set, another group of designers will be sharing their holiday cheer by decorating trees for a friendly competition. Shoppers will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite tree by giving a donation to BMS. Each dollar donated is a vote. For every $10 donated by one person, their name will be put into a drawing for a Kindle. Drawing for the winner of the Kindle will take place Monday, December 16. Some of these trees will be donated to other nonprofit organizations and delivered on the 16th. The rest of the trees will stay until Christmas is over.  Last year's winner was the Mr. Santa tree created by Stacey Scarlett from Minerva's.  Come check out the holiday activity November 5.

We will be co-hosting a Santa celebration at the Rushmore Mall, Saturday morning, November 14. Bring the kiddos out to decorate a giant gingerbread cookie with frosting and candies, sing Christmas songs, and pick out a fun Christmas tattoo.

One in five Americans struggle with mental illness. This past year, our counselors had over 80,000 contacts with clients. The Crisis Care Center had 1,632 admissions. Pennington County had 7 people die from suicide in the first 6 months of the year. This is a travesty we need to stop!  Your support enables us to provide services to people who would not be able to afford it. Approximately 80% of our clients pay a reduced fee for services.

We are so grateful for your generous support for the past 17 years and believe with your continued support this year will be our biggest and best year ever!  Order your tickets now ($70 per person or $560 for a table of 8). Your party tickets includes a delicious dinner, wine with your meal, the opportunity to purchase a Heads or Tails game stick, the chance to bid at the live auction and a the opportunity to purchase unique silent auction items. A cash bar will be available. If you have special dietary needs, please contact Debbie at 605-721-5742 or email Debbie@BMSCares.org.

Thank you to our Major Sponsors!