Tree auction helps give back Published Dec. 14, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Thyiatira Singleton 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Travis Fisher House is one of more than 30 homes built on military installations by the late Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher. They generously created a foundation to help military families in need where they can stay without charge when one of their members is hospitalized. Located on the grounds of David Grant USAF Medical Center is a 5,000 square foot house with the comfort and atmosphere of home. This home accommodates up to seven families or 16 people at a time and provides a comfortable retreat for patient's families. The Travis Fisher House opened in January 1994 and has served more than 1,900 personnel. Each year, the 60th Maintenance Operations Squadron and the 349th Maintenance Operations Flight host a Tree Festival and Auction in which the proceeds are donated to the Travis Fisher House. Personnel throughout the Travis community donate their finest holiday items to be auctioned off; items such as trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths, baskets and even quilts. On Dec. 4, trees shined bright, the smell of gingerbread houses filled the Maintenance Group Atrium and children sat on Santa's lap while their parents bid on the items they could not leave without. This year, the auction raised approximately $2,700 for the Travis Fisher House.