A full house of bidders showed up Tuesday night to raise money for at-risk children at the 22nd annual Lawrence Festival of Trees.

The auction is a major fundraiser for The Shelter Inc., a nonprofit organization that works with children who are in or at risk of being placed in the custody of the state.

The hundreds of bidders had 57 decorated and donated trees from organizations, businesses and schools to choose from at Liberty Hall, 642 Mass.

The event allows The Shelter’s leaders to fund capital improvements and start new programs.

Foster parents Bruce and Bonnie Neis were named winners of the seventh annual Unsung Hero Award.

This year, the auction alone raised $26,125, and the fundraising total is expected to be higher when all donations and tickets are counted.

“I think children are a very compelling cause,” said Judy Culley, The Shelter’s executive director. “And I’ve always thought that Lawrence responds well to the needs of children.”