2 minute read
Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees Community Connections hosts annual event
Looking forward to walking through a winter wonderland this holiday season? While there are some beautiful landscapes to enjoy in the San Juan Mountains, you can also experience an enchanted holiday exhibit during the annual Festival of Trees organized by Community Connections.
The 17th annual Festival of Trees will take place Dec. 4-6. Year after year, residents and visitors tour an indoor forest of trees adorned with beautiful ornaments and valuable gifts at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Grange Hall. The display offers attendees the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree and purchase raffle tickets to win prize packages as well as gifts and tree decor from participating sponsors.
The annual event is the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. The money raised helps fund a variety of programs at Community Connections that benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Some of the programs provide better educational opportunities, while others focus on community inclusion. by HUNTER HARRELL
Community Connections is focused on engaging people of all abilities in community events to enhance the quality of life for every individual. This updated format will give residents of all abilities the opportunity to safely participate in the holiday tradition, said vice president of marketing and development at Community Connections, Ellen Stein.
“The creativity that our sponsors bring to the event and the holiday spirit and energy is what we love most about Festival of Trees,” Stein said.
In an effort to hold the fundraiser while anticipating increasing safety restrictions, the event organizers decided to host a virtual tour and auction online using the platform GiveSmart. The online tour will feature photos of every tree and wreath. Viewers will be able to purchase raffle tickets and bid on gifts and decorations online.
Those who plan to take a trip to the North Pole during the first weekend in December will have exclusive access to browse the incredible displays in-person. To take part in the annual event, go to www.CCIFOT.givesmart.com. d
This giving season, there are so many ways to support kids and adults with disabilities to live healthy, meaningful and inclusive lives in our community.
—CATHY SYKES Community Connections Board Member and Client Festival of Trees & Wreaths
Exclusively online!
Dec. 4 (12 pm kick off) – Dec. 6 (bidding ends at 5pm)
Tour an enchanted forest of locally sponsored trees and wreaths, bid on creative gifts and festive decorations, purchase a raffle ticket and learn about the impact Community Connections has on the lives of people with disabilities in Southwest Colorado. Register at CCIFOT.givesmart.com or text CCIFOT to 76278.
PRESENTING SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSOR Colorado Gives Day Make a donation to Community Connections in memory or celebration of someone special. Donate now at swcogives.org.
Share the Love! Purchase or lease a Subaru through Jan. 4 and elect for $250 to benefit Community Connections.
Raffle Prize Packages Purchase a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win one of five regional vacation packages plus a COVID Essentials package with gas, grocery, cleaning and hardware gift cards valued at over $3,500 combined. Purchase tickets before Dec. 14 at noon. Grab a BOGO free ticket in Local First’s digital coupon book. Register at CCIFOT.givesmart.com or text CCIFOT to 76278.
