Operator 21, Charity Santiago, was on hand to represent Second Class Citizen (2CC) at the closing ceremony for the SVRHC Foundation's 10th annual Festival of Trees on December 3, 2009. There were 99 total entrants this year in the Festival, and 2CC's "Tree for Tony" placed third in its category. Charity accepted the third-place ribbon on behalf of 2CC and was able to discuss the inspiration for her creation, and 2CC's mission, with several other exhibitors, including the woman who ultimately purchased our tree.

"Discussing the ongoing battle for father's rights seemed to make some people uncomfortable," Charity notes, "but I received a far better reception when I mentioned that one of our goals was to promote positive relationships between divorced parents. I drew the comparison between a broken marriage and the 3,000 bottle caps that I used to create our tree. It only took time and elbow grease to turn those 'non-recyclable' bottle caps into something beautiful and unique. Putting in the effort to establish a solid co-parenting relationship for the sake of your kids would be so much more worthwhile."

She continues, "I named the tree 'A Tree for Tony' after my dad, who fought a custody battle for my brother and myself almost twenty years ago. He never stopped reaching out, trying to fix things with my mom and be a father to us kids. He marches to the beat of his own drum even now, so I thought an unconventional tree like this would be a fitting tribute."

As it turns out, the tribute also meant something very special to Pat Olson, the woman who eventually purchased the tree. Pat's brother, Tony, passed away unexpectedly two years ago. He was an avid fan of Budweiser-sponsored Nascar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Pat purchased 2CC's tree after seeing its Budweiser bottle caps and the "Tree for Tony" name.

"Pat told me she might even keep the tree displayed in her home year-round, as a tribute to her brother," Charity says. "It was sad, but also very touching. I'm so glad it meant something to her."

2CC sends happy holiday wishes to Pat Olson and her family, as well as all those who contributed to the creation of "A Tree for Tony."