Designer Christmas trees duke it out for charity

Glamour Barbie dolls, pink poodles, and the fishnet stockinged-leg lamp popularized in the movie A Christmas Story are part of the festive view at Seattle's downtown Westin Hotel.

They're adornments to designer Christmas trees, decked out and ready to be sold at auction to benefit Providence Senior and Community Services. The agency provides health care, hospice and housing support to those in need in King County.

In a preview of the glitzy and tongue-in-cheek glamour event, The Seattle Times reports the Westin was buzzing on Sunday afternoon:

A bevy of volunteers, buoyed by donations from local sponsors, was hard at work fashioning 15 of the most shimmery, over-the-top, fantasy-filled Christmas trees in anyone's wildest imagination, getting them ready to be auctioned off to the highest bidders Wednesday.

Providence's "O'Christmas Trees" annual event drew the talents of local artists, including fashion designer Luly Yang.

Last year, organizers say one tree fetched $40,000 from an auction bidder.

You can drop by and vote for your favorite tree. The winner will be posted on the Providence site.