Shop, dine, dance & donate at Festival of Trees

GoodCause_FestivalofTrees_PTA_DSC_0087 — Amy Hilton of Rockwall-Heath Early Childhood PTA earned the People’s Choice Award five years in a row at the Helping Hands Festival of Trees.

(ROCKWALL, TX) As autumn leaves fall and the weather turns cooler, families across North Texas are preparing for the holidays. For some that means pumpkins, scarecrows and turkey dinner, but for many in the Rockwall community, it skips to wreaths, trees and early Christmas shopping.

That’s because the annual Helping Hands Festival of Trees is just around the corner – set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13 and 14 – when the Hilton Dallas Rockwall Lakefront transforms into a magical, winter wonderland. It’s a haven for holiday shoppers and a chance to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our community.

The festival features dozens of exquisitely decorated trees and wreaths, adorned and donated by local businesses and organizations. Young and old alike will delight in touring the trail of trees, which comprises award-winning creations available for purchase. This year the public will have the chance to vote for their favorite tree at $1 per vote, beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 13. Last year’s favorites included trees by Rockwall-Heath’s Early Childhood PTA, Bella’s House, Expressions Home Décor & Custom Florals, AMICA, National Charity League of 2020, and Worker Bee Studio.

GoodCause_Festival_NCLncl-web — The National Charity League Class of 2020 presented this award-winning entry in 2014.

Also, back by popular demand, the Boutique of Helping Hands returns to offer the best-of-the-best donated holiday merchandise at low prices.

GoodCause_FestivalofTrees_crowd-dancing — Dinner, dancing and a live auction draw supporters to the Festival of Trees Gala.

All of this serves as an enchanting backdrop for the main event – the Festival of Trees Gala on Saturday evening. Guests will enjoy dinner, dancing, live auction, and the raffle of a select piece of jewelry donated by Willis Jewelers. For Gala information and tickets ($85/person), email events@rockwallhelpinghands.com, visit rockwallhelpinghands.com or call 972-771-HELP (4357).

Proceeds from the Festival of Trees and Gala will benefit Helping Hands, the nonprofit critical assistance agency that helps Rockwall County families in crisis remain in their home with the utilities on and nutritious food on their table. The Health Center of Helping Hands provides affordable healthcare to those that are without a medical home or to those seeking a low cost alternative.

Helping Hands will also be collecting items for local children in need, so festival-goers are encouraged to share the magic of Christmas by donating new, unwrapped toys or gift cards.

GoodCause_FestivalofTrees_Amica — Last year, AMICA of Rockwall took home the Most Unique Tree award for its winter wonderland-themed tree.

Those interested in decorating a tree or wreath and donating it to the Helping Hands to be sold at the festival may email events@rockwallhelpinghands.com or visit rockwallhelpinghand.com for details. Contest winners will be announced during the Gala.

Set-up is scheduled for Thursday evening, Nov. 12, between 6 p.m. and midnight at the Hilton. Trees and wreaths will be displayed for sale during Boutique hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Gala attendees will be able to continue to shop until 11 p.m.

By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News. Photos by Austin Wells.