The 2021 Holiday season marks the 30th year of celebration and giving. Festival of Trees would not be possible without the tremendous support of a volunteer-led fundraising group of hundreds, who give of their time and talent, and a generous community to host one of the largest fundraising events in Gillette, Wyoming.
In 1992 a small group of volunteers banded together to raise funds for the Lifeline Emergency Response System. The first year of Festival of Trees emerged with a 16 tree and wreath auction, raising $9172 and providing service for 20 Lifeline subscribers.
In 2004, Festival of Trees became part of the Campbell County Healthcare Foundation, continuing to support Lifeline as well as Hospice--most recently the Close to Home Hospice Hospitality House. In the last 27 years, Festival of Trees has grown to an auction of 60 plus trees and wreaths. The first day of Festival of Trees kicks off with Senior Day; a lunch for the senior population is held so the senior population may take part in our festivities as well as vote for their favorite tree and wreath. We also offer fun for all ages with a Family Day, gift shop, live entertainment, VIP event as well as a live and silent auction.
Festival of Trees has raised over $1,500,000 for the improvement of healthcare in our community.