Annual Festival Of Trees For Ann’s Place, Nov. 18-20

DANBURY — Ann’s Place, Home of I Can, the largest support organization for cancer survivors and their loved ones in the greater Danbury region, has announced plans for its 2011 Festival of Trees, to be held November 18–20 at the Matrix Conference & Banquet Center, 39 Old Ridgebury Road.

This is the ninth year for the popular fundraising event, which features an array of custom-decorated holiday trees sponsored by area businesses, groups, and individuals. Sponsors may choose a theme for their tree and decorate it themselves or have the decorating done by expert volunteers.

All trees are raffled and everyone has a chance to win their favorite tree. Festival hours are Saturday, from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $10 adults, $5 children and seniors, children under 5 free.

“This is a wonderful holiday experience for the whole family,” commented Wilda Hayes, executive director of Ann’s Place. “From the moment you enter the ballroom and stroll through the spectacularly decorated trees, you can see the results of a community coming together to help those in need.”

Ms Hayes said every tree, wreath, and quilt or other hand-fashioned item at the festival represents another member of the community stepping forward to lend a helping hand.

The 2011 festival will kick off with the preview party on Friday from 6:30 to 10 pm, with cocktails, live music by Kelly Mittleman, Dinner-by-the-Bite, and exclusive preview of the decorated trees at $100 per ticket. The trees will remain on display until Sunday at 5 pm.

The festival also features The Marketplace, quilts, wreaths, and other handcrafted holiday gifts for sale, live entertainment on the hour, raffles, and a chance to win a Jewelry Designs shopping spree.

Ann’s Place provides free cancer support services to those touched by cancer and their loved ones. Services include individual and family counseling, more than 20 support groups for people with various cancer diagnoses and at various stages of treatment, and a variety of wellness programs including yoga, reiki, tai chi, writing workshops, art therapy, and guided imagery.

For the full roster of event details or information about the organization, visit annsplace.org.