Be A Tree Donor
You can enter a tree in the Festival. Many trees are entered to honor loved ones who have died. All trees help to raise funds to battle cancer. Last year there were 100 beautifully decorated, artificial Christmas trees. Each had its own unique, and often untraditional theme. There are three categories of trees: Trees in the general category, at least 3 feet tall through 7 feet or higher, miniature trees 18-24 inches (including the base), and artisans (must be at least six feet tall, artificial or hand -crafted, and 90 percent of the decorations must be the artist's own work). Trees of a less traditional nature are encouraged. If you, your family, your workplace, or your group would like to participate, then please contact Chris Toye at 508-765-5630 no later than Nov. 14 for an application.
Be A Gingerbread House Donor
The Festival of (Giving) Trees is holding their second Gingerbread House Contest & Raffle. The gingerbread houses will be part of the regular tree raffle that will help raise money for the fight against breast cancer and for the support of cancer research. We will also award ribbons to the participants in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place categories. Gingerbread houses do not have to be edible. Graham crackers, cookies, or other pre-made foods may be used for the buildings instead of traditional gingerbread. (No kits please) Space limitations require houses and landscapes to be 18” x 18” display board or smaller. Only 25 entries can be accepted -- so get your creative juices flowing and be a part of our first gingerbread contest & raffle. Houses must be delivered to La Salle Reception Center at Notre Dame Hall on Wednesday, December 2nd, between 12 and 8 p.m. For application contact Jesslyn Hapgood at 508-612-3926 by Nov. 14th.
Purchase an Ad For The Festival Program Booklet
The ad can be for a business, or a dedication to a loved one, or a message of support. There are three sizes for the boxes: $25 for a quarter page, $50 for a half a page, and $100 for a full page. In addition there will be an "In Memory of" page where, for $10, a donor may list the name of a friend or family member to be rememebered. For details, contact Ginne Hmielowski at 508-764-6157 no later than Nov. 14.ov. 14th.
Purchase Ticket To Win $1,000 In Scratch Tickets
Win $1,000 in scratch tickets! The winner will be drawn at the Festival on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. For raffle ticket information, contact Elaine Cooper at 508-347-4449.
Attend The Festival
Mark your calendars for the Festival. It runs from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6 at the beautifully refurbished La Salle Reception Center at Notre Dame Hall in Southbridge. The hours are 12 p.m.. to 5 p.m., Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 per person. Children under 12 are always free. Buy raffle tickets to win one of the beautiful trees. There will be live entertainment daily and delicious concessions provided during the Festival.
Senior Citizen Day
Friday is Senior Citizen Day with free admission for seniors. There will be a special $3.50 lunch for seniors, which will include soup, sandwich, and cookies.
Children's Day
Saturday is Children's Day. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be there along with the Pumpernickel Puppets, face painting, magic acts, the balloon man, and much more.
Final Day
Sunday is the final day, and the sale of tree, gingerbread house, and scratch ticket raffle tickets will end at 3 p.m. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter. If you are a winner, you can pick up your tree and enjoy it for the holiday season.
For any questions regarding the Festival, contact Sue Hapgood, the Festival's founder and chair, at 508-347-2904
Attend The Festival's Special Events
'A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols' Choral Premier at Notre Dame Church. This spectacular event takes place Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. Then, be one of the first to view the spectacular trees amid the festive holiday atmosphere at La Salle Reception Center.
Winter Starlight Gala
Celebrate the season on Dec. 4 with live music, hors d'oeuvres, and food stations. Silent and live auctions featuring spectacular gift items and special tree auctions. The Gala will be held at the Southbridge Community Center. Tickets are $30 per person and only sold in advance. Tickets can be purchased at Targeted Marketing, 58 Main Street, Sturbridge. For ticket information contact Lorraine Moreno at:
(508) 347-3591
Ticket sales end when all tickets are sold. Hurry, they go fast!
Even if you don't attend the Gala, you can support the fight against cancer by donating goods or services to the auctions. If you have something to contribute, contact Lisa Noonan at 508-347-1367.