Maine’s most controversial holiday decoration is now on eBay

A Bangor teacher’s infamous Hello Kitty Christmas tree, which sparked a national debate when her school told her to take it down, is now available to the highest bidder.

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England listed Bangor High School math teacher Catherine Gordon’s 32-inch, pink, artificial Christmas decoration on the online auction site, eBay. The starting bid was $9.99 as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gordon, whose choice of holiday ornamentation came under scrutiny when the school’s principal told her to take it down late December (he later reversed his decision), donated the tree to Goodwill, according to the organization.

“Catherine has generously donated this tree to support Goodwill and it’s on the lookout for a new owner!” the post reads.

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Proceeds will go towards a Goodwill program that gives veterans money for short-term needs so they can get or a keep a job, such as car repair or paying for the bar exam, said Goodwill spokesperson Heather Steeves.

How much would you pay for this tree?

Dan MacLeod

About Dan MacLeod

Dan MacLeod is the managing editor of the Bangor Daily News. He's an Orland native who moved to Portland in 2002 and now lives in Unity. He's been a journalist since 2008, and previously worked for the New York Post and the Brooklyn Paper.