It’s the beginning of the Christmas season, and it’s time to break out the tree to celebrate. The Festival of Trees is back, raising money for a good cause and giving people the opportunity to buy a decorated tree at the event, which takes place November 20.
Sonya Reviczky, event organizer, says that they wanted to revive the Festival of Trees event because they wanted to make an event that could take off and grow into the future. The trees themselves have been decorated with different themes. She promises that the eleven trees on display will be an impressive display.
“You have to be able to see them to appreciate what they look like.”
Everything is donated, with businesses across the community either donating a decorated tree or sponsoring the decoration of a tree. The Painted Hand Casino, hosts for the event, also donated the space and meal for the event. All eleven trees will be auctioned off over the evening.
All money raised goes to a good cause, YAIL Harbor’s Pathway Homes project. The project is building universally-designed triplex homes, for people with cognitive and physical disabilities. The project has built two buildings already, and a third is in the planning stages.
“When I say universal design, it’s different little things like pull down cupboards, self closing bottom cupboards, everything is wheel chair accessible, we have lowered light switches, raised plug-ins in the units... It’s made to help people with disabilities have a better quality of life.”
The need for inexpensive, universally accessible homes was something that they could see was important from the clients served by YAIL Harbor. They also wanted to have quality housing for their clients at a rate they could afford.
“We don’t get paid for doing this Pathway Homes project, it is strictly volunteer.”
The evening begins with cocktails at 5:30, supper at 6:00 and the auction for trees begins at 8:00.
Tickets are still available by calling 306-783-1522. Tickets are $30 or a table of 10 for $250.
