Almost as magical as Santa himself…
ROCKWALL (November 14, 2013) This holiday season marks the 37th year of giving for Rockwall County Helping Hands. For the fourth year, Helping Hands will present the Festival of Trees — lighting up the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront with adorned trees and wreaths representing local organizations, civic groups, businesses and individuals.
The Festival of Trees would not be possible without the support of a generous community. Dozens of sponsors, participants and volunteers give their time and talent to host one of the largest fundraising events in Rockwall County.
“This is an extremely unique event where businesses, organizations and individuals come together to decorate and donate their own lavish Christmas tree that depicts the holiday spirit of giving. The trees are enjoyed by attendees and ultimately sold for the cause,” said Kay Dutta, Festival of Trees organizer.
The festival includes a holiday shopping bazaar with seasonal décor, wreaths and other creative items from the Centsible Thrift Stores and Boutique. The money raised will help local families in crisis through Helping Hands.
Free to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, shop the Holiday Boutique, view repurposed furniture and home décor by area designers, and tour the holiday tree contest entries on display. Bring the whole family to enjoy the huge showcase of holiday decorations in a beautiful winter wonderland. Vote on your favorite tree, and have a chance to buy it, too!
There is no cost to participate in the Festival of Trees; however, each group must provide their own artificial tree or wreath. Participants must have supplies on hand to decorate their tree (scissors, wire, wire cutters, step ladders, extension cords, etc.). They are also invited to use home decor items from the selection of Centisible Thrift Store merchandise to renovate their masterpiece as part of the Repurpose Challenge.
To register, go to rockwallfestivaloftrees.com. For more information, call 972-771-4357 or e-mail melodyhail@rockwallhelpinghands.com.
Festival of Trees Gala Dinner
6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15
following the Festival of Trees at the Hilton
Individual Gala tickets: $75
Sponsorships available for $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000
Cocktail Reception – 6 p.m.
Seated Dinner – 7 p.m. (cocktail attire)
Info & tickets: RockwallFestivalofTrees.com
Repurpose Challenge
Recycle, reuse and re-engineer materials from the Helping Hands Thrift store as part of the Repurpose Challenge. Designers and crafters are invited to select from free objects at the Thrift Store and give them a second chance.
Participants should take before and afterphotos of their transformed item. The repurposed items will be displayed at the Festival of Trees on Nov. 15 at the Hilton. Challenge participants are also invited to give a 30-minute repurposing demonstration during the Festival. A prize will be awarded to the ‘Best Transformation’ and all items will be sold at the Gala that evening, with proceeds benefiting Helping Hands.
To participate in the Repurpose Challenge, call 972-771-4357 or email melodyhail@rockwallhelpinghands.com.
By Melody Hail, Director of Development, Rockwall County Helping Hands for publication in Blue Ribbon News Nov 2013 print edition. Photos submitted by Melody Hail.
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