Festival of Trees Still Looking for Volunteers

Nov. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- The Festival of Trees is returning for its seventh year at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (2301 First Street) and will open November 29 and run thru December 6. The week-long event has become a holiday tradition for many families not only attending but, also volunteering. The Festival benefits The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and support of our volunteers,” says the event’s volunteer coordinator Natalie Tursi. “We are open all day for most of the week. Volunteers play a huge role in making that happen.”

Volunteers are especially needed Saturday, November 30 when the Festival expands onto the streets for its Family Fun Day. The special event features a Brunch with Santa, Children’s Workshop, performances from local schools, and a concert in the evening by the Beatles tribute band, The Nowhere Band. It also is the evening of the River District’s annual Holiday Stroll. Friday, December 6 will also be a busy evening for the Festival, as it overlaps with the River District’s monthly ArtWalk.

“Family Fun Day and the Festival, the Holiday Stroll, and ArtWalk bring a lot of people to downtown Fort Myers,” says Tursi. “We are looking for volunteers to greet, talk about the trees, and help out with the arts and crafts in the workshop during those busy times.”

The Festival of Trees is open November 29 from 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., November 30 from 10:00 a.m.-9:00p.m., December 1 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., December 2 from 11:00 a.m.-9:00p.m., December 4 from 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m., December 5 from 5:00p.m.-9:00p.m., and December 6 from 5:00 p.m.-9:00p.m. The Tux & Trees Gala will be held Saturday, December 7 at 6:30p.m.

“This is a great opportunity for groups, families, and friends to come out and volunteer together,” says Tursi. “The Festival of Trees truly rings in the holidays.”

Groups or individuals interested in volunteering can call Natalie Tursi at (239)995-2106 ext. 2249 or email NatlieTursi@goodwillswfl.org.

Last year, the Festival of Trees and Tux & Trees Gala raised $95,000 to support The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation. The Foundation supports Goodwill’s mission of helping people in the Southwest Florida community by providing life-changing opportunities to employment and independence.

Goodwill’s Festival of Trees is proudly presented by FineMark National Bank & Trust. The Children’s Workshop is sponsored by East Coast Recycling Equipment. For Festival dates, times, and ticket information visit www.tuxandtrees.com.  For information about Goodwill’s programs and services visit www.goodwillswfl.org.