Treasure Hunt Brings Joy to the Holidays

Modeling her Mauricio Serrano sterling silver bullet bracelet she won during last year’s jewelry giveaway, Jess Edelen exclaims, “I love my bracelet!  I’m used to zipping around all over town each day. However, nothing gets me up and moving like a hunt for great jewelry! Such a fun event!”

The bracelet was her prize for participating in Alara’s 12 Gifts of Christmas in 2011. Jess was the first to find the treasure bag hidden at that day’s secret location, the MSU SUB “Noodle” sculpture.

Participant Biz Zimney was not afraid to get her hands dirty during the event, as well.  She was the first person to climb under the bridge at Gallatin Gateway.  She exchanged her treasure bag for a great pair of Ezio Biribicchi sterling silver earrings.  Biz will be one to look out for in this year’s competition, as she’s won both past years.  Post victory, Biz explained, “I look forward to this event. It’s a great way to get Bozemanites involved in a fun way that also supports local charities, which is most important! And let’s be honest… who doesn’t love a free pair of awesome earrings?!”

So what is this all about?

Bozeman jeweler and business owner, Babs Noelle, wanted to create an activity that “gets the community involved in something that can only be positive and fun.”  The jewelry goes to each daily winner with no cost or strings attached other than providing their name and smiling for a photo for the event’s website.  “There hasn’t been a problem getting people to smile,” says Noelle.

For each of twelve days starting December 13th, members of the Alara staff will hide two signature Alara bags at a location somewhere in the greater Bozeman area.  Clues leading to the secret location will be emailed at a random time each day, so that everyone has a chance at some point during the twelve days to participate.  One bag can be redeemed for a pre-selected piece of jewelry at Alara.  The other bag can be redeemed for a $100 donation to the local-area nonprofit of the finder’s choice.

Lee and Becky Eichelberger were among the many who found the non-profit donation bags. They chose Haven to benefit, because it’s “a worthwhile organization that deals with what is still a prominent issue.”  Participant Hailey Lint found a non-profit donation bag as well, choosing to donate to Child Care Connections. “I absolutely love kids” exclaims Hailey. “To be able to donate to a great cause that you feel passionate about is next to none. Such a great feeling reminds people what the holidays are truly about!”

To sign up for the daily clues, please visit:  http://tinyurl.com/12gifts