North Beach Bar & Grill hosts third annual holiday upside-down tree contest in support of local charities

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Four local charities are competing in North Beach Bar and Grill’s third annual charity Christmas tree competition, with the winner receiving a $2,500 donation.

The competition features upside-down themed trees hanging in the bar, with votes coming from almost every continent except Antarctica, according to the restaurant.

“If you’ve never seen the gorgeous trees here, it will totally blow you away. It’s a magical, magical Santa land,” said one bar patron.

Each charity creates a themed tree that hangs upside down in the bar, all hoping to win the donation.

“It feels amazing to point people that visit us and that are our clients and guests to come be a part of this and shout out these charities and bring awareness to the wonderful things that they do. And it’s just a great year-end thing for them too,” said Toren Anderson, the bars publicist.

The four organizations competing are Xcel Strategies, an organization that mentors young students in high school.

“They made all these ornaments in their shops. They do a lot of shop classes with the kids, and they made them in their mobile workshops,” said the bars spokesperson.

The second competing charity is Shelter from the Rain, an organization that supports single parents. Their tree features diapers and ornaments along with favorite children’s books.

The third organization is Tybee’s YMCA Teen Leader Club, where students learn leadership and service to better their communities. Their tree features a vintage skate night theme, decorated by a group of kids.

The fourth charity is Gilliard and Company, which helps kids transition out of foster care into young adult life. Their tree follows a DreamWorks theme inspired by wishing upon a star.

Bar owner George Spriggs said he never used to enjoy Christmas until they started this tradition.

“Growing up I was never a Christmas kind of kid, it never did it for me, but over the last few years, every time it comes around that we have to decorate and get things ready, it kind of triggers, you know you can’t help, kind of get into the mood, you know start playing the Christmas music, and all the lights and trees, I mean, it’s hard to be Scrooge with all of that,” Spriggs said.

Frequent customer Kim Cribbs called it a must-stop this Christmas season.

“So, bring the kids out, bring the family out, and vote for these beautiful trees to support all of these charities. But it is unbelievable, guys. If you were to look around, it’s magical,” Cribbs said.

The winning charity will be announced January 5.

You can vote in-person or by clicking here.