It's beginning to look a lot like ... Festival of Trees! The 2013 holiday season marks the 22nd year of celebration and giving!
So, what is Festival of Trees? It's one the largest fundraising events in Gillette, Wyoming! It all started back in 1992, a small group of volunteers banded together to raise funds for the Lifeline Emergency Response System. The first year of Festival of Trees emerged with a 16 tree and wreath auction raising $9,172 and provided service for 20 Lifeline subscribers. Then, in 2004, Festival of Trees became part of the Campbell County Healthcare Foundation, continuing to support Lifeline as well as Hospice; most recently the
Close to Home Hospice Hospitality House.
In the last 20 years, Festival of Trees has grown and changed to more than an auction of 60 plus trees and wreaths and provides lunch for the senior population in Campbell County so they may take part in the festivities. Festival of Trees also has Family Day and events, VIP reception, gift shop, live entertainment and of course the live and silent auctions.
This year, Festival of Trees takes place November 22-24 at CAM-PLEX Energy Hall. Below is the schedule.
Friday, November 22
- 9 am-3 pm: Open to the public
- 11 am-1 pm: Senior Day Luncheon, invitation only
- 5-9 pm: Festival kick off, enjoy carolers, pictures with Santa for purchase, cider, cocoa and cookies
Saturday, November 23
- 9 am-3 pm: Open to the public
- 5:30-7 pm: VIP Reception, ticketed event
- 7 pm: Live Auction, open to the public
Sunday, November 24
- 1-5 pm, Family Day, admission is one canned food item. Enjoy pictures with Santa for purchase, crafts, youth choice voting and reveal.
Festival of Trees would not be possible without the tremendous support of a volunteer-lead fundraising group that depends on hundreds who give of their time and talent and a generous community. The event has raised more than $1,000,000 for the improvement of healthcare in our community.
Note: Click on the picture of the poster for a larger version.