This is George standing beside the actual money tree that contains about 100 names, embossed on different colored metal leafs. The Gold leaf costs $500., the silver $200., the red $100 and the white leaf $50. The leafs plus cash shown on the MONEY TREE as of April 10, 2007, stands at a total of $24,100. We need another $6,000 to reach our goal of $30,000. The MONEY TREE will be a permanent trophy, displayed in the lobby of the North Bend Pool, on the North Bend High School Campus.

My wife, Kay Gebhardt has this strange looking Money Tree on display in our home. It is about 13" high and is made up with hundreds of Cowrie Shells, known as Cyprea Moneta. These shells were used as currency or a medium of exchange, centuries ago. They are sewn together by natives in the South Sea Island of Micronesia in the South Pacific to form this ornimental Money Tree. Today they are used as necklaces or dress mantles by women on festive occasions. The Cyprea Monetas are still used as currency in the country of Sudan.

The travelling Money Tree, Kay, George, the Thermometer, Shelley Johnson & Jonny.

Two of our champion swimmers from the North Bend
Team helped us with the Rally in front of Wal Mart, March 17 and 18, 2007.

The big sign was painted by George and slapped on his car. A lot of the people thought we were raffling off my car--big joke. See the Money Tree abd thermometer. Our goal on the money tree is still short about $6,000. to make it to $30,000. Everyone who sees this "blog" who have not bought a leaf for the Money Tree, Please do so !!

This is a closeup of George who dreamed up the money tree. He claims he will be 92 years young in August 2007. Here he is bragging how much money we raised. The big thing that made our Rally a great success was the selling of leafs for the Money tree. Look at the record to see how much currency we raised. The weather did cooperate and every one seemed to have fun. And of Course, Wal Mart added $1000.00.

One of the champion swimmers on the North Bend Aquatic team who helped us with the rally

This is some of the literature we passed out to the large crowd we attracted to our table.

Another shot of George, our setup table, the cow bell, Money tree etc. Enlarge by clicking on the picture.

Since it was St. Patrick's Day, we all tried to wear green. George has on his green rain coat because the cold mist started to blow. You can ENLARGE the picture by clicking on it and then hit the back arrow, upper left to return to the Slide show.

Larry Casey on the left and big Gene Sims on the right. They sang Irish Songs and Gene rang the Cow Bell to attract the crowd. Note the banner on the car and the travelling Money Tree.

Kay and George Gebhardt, Shelley and Jonny. Note the "Travelling Money Tree" That shows themoney leafs on the left.

Two of our champion swimmers from the North Bend Pool who helped with our Rally at Wal Mart. wish you were here to help me so I could give their names.

Kay and George Gebhardt, in charge of the big Wal Mart Rally. Jeannie Arnet, Shelley Johnson, and Johnny, all volunteers, pose by the thermometer that shows the Total Dollar Amount on the MONEY TREE. The tree spread its wings and grew from $20,000 to $24,0000. Note: $1000 of that money came from Wal Mart in the form of matching funds.

One of North Bend Champion swimmers stands by our big sign that says it all. He was one of 20 volunteers who worked on St. Patrick's Day on Mar 17, 2007 for a big money rally for our Money Tree.

On March 17 and 18, 2007, George and a team of 20 volenteers spent the day in the cold mist at Wal-Mart collection money for the NB pool fund. They rang a bell and sang Irish songs. They pleaded with customers to "Save the Pool". The end results were a total of $1000! Walmart matched the money as agreed on, so the pool fund was fattened by $2000!