On Saturday, Nov. 30, the Barrhead and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Festival of Trees, with all the proceeds going to area charities and not-for-profit organizations.
Festival of Trees committee member Michelle Rau said the annual event has come a long way since its inception.
The event started in 2010 when Cheryl Morris first came up with the idea of auctioning off decorated Christmas trees and wreaths and then giving the proceeds to charity.
In its inaugural year, the event raised $1,692.50 for the Barrhead and District FCSS food bank and Habitat for Humanity’s Barrhead project. Now the Festival of Trees gala routinely raises over $30,000 plus for local charities.
This year, 13 different charities are on the list of beneficiaries.
Getting added to the Festival of Trees list of beneficiaries is fairly simple, but Rau said there is a short vetting process.
The Festival of Trees gala takes place at the Barrhead Elementary School gym. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails starting at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and then the live auction.
There will be a performance by Edmonton-based magician and illusionist Sheldon Casavant. Local band Blind Dog Revival will also be performing throughout the night. The gala will conclude with a midnight lunch and dance.
Tickets for the gala are $55 or $440 for a table of eight. A gold package is also available which includes eight dinner tickets and a bottle of wine for the table.
To maximize the money raised, organizations receive, the gala will also be holding a silent auction as well as a 50/50 draw.
However, she said the true stars of the evening are the trees, wreaths, table centrepieces and toolboxes that are auctioned off.
Officially the theme of the gala is White Christmas,” but Rau noted there are few limitations on what creation is submitted for auction.
For those who want to help out, there is still time. In addition to accepting silent and live auction items, Rau said they were still looking for volunteers, for the night of the gala.
To reserve tickets for the Festival of Trees or to volunteer contact Rau at the Scotiabank 780-674-8407 ext. 4000 or Amy Dievert at 780-674-2216 ext.
