Ring In The Holidays At The Ann’s Place Festival Of Trees: Helping Cancer Survivors One Tree At A Time

DANBURY — Ann’s Place, the largest support organization for cancer survivors and their loved ones in the Greater Danbury region, has announced plans for its 2010 Festival of Trees, to be held November 19-21 at the Danbury Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, 18 Old Ridgebury Road.

This is the eighth year for the popular fundraising event, which features a dazzling 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.

For the first time this year, trees will be raffled rather than auctioned. More than 100 lavishly decorated trees, most with themes, will be raffled by the end of the festival.

The 2010 Festival will kick off with a preview party on Friday, November 19, from 6:30 to10 pm, with cocktails, dinner-by-the-bite, and an exclusive preview of the decorated trees, which will remain on display until Sunday at 5 pm.

Regular festival hours will then be Saturday, November 20, 10 am to 8 pm; and Sunday, November 21, 10 am to 5 pm.  Admission is $10, $5 for children and seniors, and free for ages 5 and children under.

The festival also features The Marketplace, with quilts, wreaths and other hand-crafted holiday gifts for purchase; live entertainment on the half hour; raffles, and a chance to win a Jewelry Designs shopping spree.

“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. Every tree, wreath and quilt or other hand-fashioned item at the festival represents another member of our caring community stepping forward to lend a helping hand. And, with all the activities planned this year, the festival is sure to create lasting memories for attendees of all ages.”

Additional festival events include a large scale original Lego exhibit by Bill Probert, a Lego enthusiast and builder-extraordinaire, on Saturday and Sunday. Mr Probert will unveil another new master work, and attendees can expect to be amazed, amused and enchanted by his 200 square foot exhibit;

The return of Lego Artists Challenge, for students K-12, who can enter their pre-constructed Lego masterpiece and compete for prizes (fee $15 per entry);

My Friend & Me Tea, a proper English tea for children ages three and up accompanied by an adult, live entertainment, fun and surprises, with seatings on Saturday at noon, 2 and 4 pm; and Sunday at noon and 2 pm (Tea Party admission is an additional $15 per person);

The Festival is made possible by approximately 250 volunteers. Opportunities are still available. To volunteer, contact Jackie at Jackie@annsplace.org.

Ann’s Place has been providing free cancer support services to those touched by cancer and their loved ones since 1991. Services include individual and family counseling, over 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. 

The Festival of Trees is the most important fundraising event each year for Ann’s Place. Without the Festival, its many contributors, volunteers, participants and guests, Ann’s Place would be unable to provide the essential support services for cancer survivors and their loved ones.

  For more information or to register for the preview party, Lego Challenge, or Tea Parties, call 203-790-6568, send email to Festival@AnnsPlace.org or visit AnnsPlace.org.