On Saturday, Dec. 1, 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.
“It really has come a long way since its inception,” said Festival of Trees committee member Michelle Rau.
The event started eight 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.
“And it’s just got bigger every year,” she said, adding as the event grew, the committee opened up to include all Barrhead area charities and not-for-profit organizations.
Last year, the live Christmas tree auction alone raised $33,005.
Over the years, the event has varied slightly. This year’s version includes two events, the first one being the Kids’ Christmas Workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Barrhead Public Library.
“Kids will get a chance to make a Christmas craft, decorate festive cookies or just enjoy the live entertainment,” Rau said.
Workshop attendees will also get a chance to preview the Christmas trees and wreaths that will be auctioned.
However, Rau said the Festival of Trees gala is the showcase of the event.
Festival of Trees gala takes place at the Barrhead Elementary School gym. Doors open at 6 p.m. with cocktails starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and then the live auction.
There will then be a performance from the ‘Dueling Pianos” and the event 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, organizations receive the gala will also be holding a silent auction.
Rau noted the silent auction items will be taken until Nov. 28.
“But of course, the Festival of Trees is nothing without the trees, wreaths, table centrepieces and tool boxes that are auctioned off,” she said, challenging everyone to submit an item.
It should be noted that people who purchase the auctioned items are able to direct where their donation goes.
Officially the theme of this year’s gala is ‘Silver Bells’, but Rau noted there are few limitations on what creation is submitted for auction.
The committee also suggests wreaths be a minimum of 24 inches in diameter and any Christmas arrangements are large enough to use as a table centrepiece.
Silent auction items can be dropped off at Barrhead and District Community Support Services (5115-45 Street) care of Debbie White or by contacting Amy Dievert at TD Canada Trust at 780-674-2216 ext. 250.
To reserve tickets for the Festival of Trees, contact Rau at the Scotiabank 780-674-8407 ext. 4000 or Dievert.
