The Giving Tree

The life cycle of a tree ends when it falls to the ground and is left to decompose—sometimes after standing tall in a forest for over 400 years.

In 2005, while visiting an auction in Brazil, Shelley Starr of Moura Starr purchased a majestic fallen tree. This tree has gone on to do amazing things.

"Nature was providing me with the perfect inspiration," Shelley told us. "I was determined to regenerate a new life cycle that would be cherished for years to come."

She carefully studied tree was to determine that three solid pieces of wood could be extracted from it. The cuts were 20 feet in length with a variation of 42-48 inches in width. To cut a tree with such precision required special machinery and knives to move through the dense, semi-petrified mass. After nine months, the three pieces were successfully extrapolated into three table tops weighing over 2400 pounds each.

Two of the beautifully hand-crafted tables have extended their legacy into new homes. One has traveled to a residence in the Middle East, while the other to a fabulous villa in Le Cap D'Antibes, France. Only one of these finely-crafted works of art remains: the Sao Paulo Table.

In honor of the season of giving, Moura Starr will donate 10% of the proceeds from the sale of this final table to the Make A Wish Foundation on behalf of the buyer and another 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Conservation International. In doing so, the tree will uphold the beliefs of Moura Starr that children and the environment are two of the world's most important resources.

Join Shelley and Moura Starr in supporting these resources and finding the perfect home for the magnificent tree.