Annual Event Raises Funds for Local Charities

Businesses, organizations and individuals have an opportunity to help families in need while getting into the holiday spirit through the annual Festival of Trees, a holiday-themed fundraiser sponsored by The Mill Casino • Hotel and the Bay Area Rotary.

Raising over $16,000 last year, the Festival of Trees lets participants demonstrate their holiday-decorating talents while raising money for local charities. This year’s goal is to raise $18,000 for such charities as Shots for Tots & Teens and The Women’s Safety & Resource Center and Coddington Place.

Participants simply choose to sponsor a tree, a wreath or pre-decorated tree. Then, at 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22 sponsors bring their chosen decorations to The Mill Casino’s Salmon Room for the annual Festival of Trees Decorating Party, complete with complimentary refreshments and holiday tunes.

Following the party, a panel of judges will award the top choice in the following categories: Best Use of Color, Best Theme, Most Original, Most Whimsical, Best Wreath and, of course, Best of Show. The decorated trees and wreaths will be placed on display throughout the hotel lobby through Dec. 1.

Each tree and wreath will be auctioned off to the highest bidder during a public auction that begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 in The Mill’s Salmon Room. Doors open at 6 p.m. to allow potential bidders to take one more look at the trees.

The fully decorated trees will be delivered (up to 30 miles away) to the winning bidder’s home or office by a member of the Bay Area Rotary. Auction winners may request to have their tree donated to a needy family.

The Mill Casino • Hotel contributes to the purchase of the trees and wreaths so that sponsorship and auction proceeds from the Festival of Trees can go directly to local charities. In addition, local vendors are used when purchasing trees and wreaths for this Bay Area fundraiser.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping those in need are encouraged to participate by sponsoring and/or decorating a tree and/or wreath. To learn more about how to get involved with this event, contact Festival Coordinator, Debbie Webb at 541-808-1969.