Festival of Trees Announces 2011 Award Winners

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec. 12, 2011 - More than 5,700 people visited the 2011 Festival of Trees in the Fort Myers River District, and thousands of those visitors took the time to vote for their favorite trees in the festival’s annual “Peoples’ Choice” awards.

The Fort Myers River District Alliance (RDA) was the overwhelming crowd favorite at the Festival (http://www.tuxandtrees.com).  The RDA tree, titled “It’s a Wonderful Life,” won both the Most Traditional and Best All-Around ribbons from festivalgoers.  Numerous voters remarked that the tree, which was adorned with old-fashioned ornaments, bubble-style lights, and tinsel, reminded them of their childhood.

Camp-Rigby Roofing-Sheetmetal Contractors, Inc. received the majority of votes for the Most Creative tree award.  The company’s “Monopoly Mania” tree featured hand-crafted ornaments made of Monopoly boards, game pieces, and the game’s signature currency.  

Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson selected the CenturyLink “Starry, Starry Night” tree as the Mayor’s Choice during the annual River District Holiday Stroll.  The all-black tree was inspired by Van Gogh’s famed “Starry Night” painting, featured silver stars and swirls of blue color.

Another crowd-pleaser, “The Gift of Bling” by festival newcomer ProFiles, earned the Downtown Diva’s Choice honor, awarded by Fort Myers News-Press columnist Stephanie Davis.  The pink and purple tree featured a unique tree-topper which snowed blasts of confetti and glitter.

The Festival’s 27 tree displays were auctioned off at the Tux & Trees Gala, a black-tie fundraiser for the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation. In the events’ first four years, they have raised more than $215,000.  Proceeds from the 2011 Festival and Gala are still being tabulated.

The Festival of Trees is presented with the assistance of sponsorships from The Home Depot, the Fort Myers News-Press, D’Latinos Magazine, Azteca America SWFL and Sunny 106.3.  Additional support was provided by Gulfcoast Consulting Group, Inc. and Westco Builders of Florida, Inc.  More information about the Festival of Trees is online at http://www.tuxandtrees.com.

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The Festival of Trees and Tux &Trees Gala are held annually in the Fort Myers River District, beginning the day after Thanksgiving. The events are signature fundraisers of the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation.

Photo:
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