BARRHEAD –The Barrhead and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its biggest most anticipated fundraiser of the year, the Festival of Trees, on Saturday, Nov. 30.
“It is a blast of a party with such a generous result for Barrhead’s non-profits and charities that do so much for residents and community members,” said Trisha Enman, one of the event organizers.
The theme of this year’s event is “an old-fashioned Christmas” with the decorations and ambiance reflecting the warm seasonal feelings of the country Christmas season.
Items up for the live auction include fully decorated Christmas trees, Christmas décor items and fantastic surprises.
Live auction purchase winners pick from a list of charities to apply the cost of their purchase to funding for area charities and not-for-profit organizations.
There are silent auction items to bid on in addition to the live auction, and the committee still has openings for businesses who would like to donate to the silent auction.
Chris Funk, the Wonderist, a very talented comedian and magician will be performing at the event.
Funk makes the evening a marvel by mixing music, comedy and magic in a way that delights and amazes audiences.
The delectable dinner is catered by Sugar & Spice.
The original idea of the event was sparked by Cheryl Morris when she thought of funding for charities by auctioning off decorated Christmas trees and wreaths.
The first year this event raised $1692.50 for the Barrhead and FCSS food bank and Habitat for Humanity’s Barrhead project.
In recent years, the well-attended Festival of Trees gala has raised more than $30,000 for local charities in support of Barrhead community members.
The 2024 Festival of Trees celebration has 12 organizations, some with multiple programs on the list of non-profits and charities to choose from.
“Nonprofit community groups that can issue income tax for donations are able to benefit from the live auction,” said Enman.
All of these fabulous beneficiaries receive funds from the event’s silent auction and bar proceeds, explained Enman.
The Festival of Trees gala takes place at the Barrhead Elementary School gym. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and then the live auction.
Tickets for the gala are $65 or $520 for a table of eight.
To purchase tickets, contact Rita Foster by email [email protected] or Michelle Rau at 780-674-8407 extension 4000 or Trisha Enman at 780-674-4944.
This is the night of the season to remember. Don’t get left out, get your tickets now.
