Festival of Trees Returns for Ninth Year

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Oct. 16, 2015 - PRLog -- The Festival of Trees is returning to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for its ninth year.  The Festival has become a holiday tradition for downtown Fort Myers and is the signature event of The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation. The Festival opens December 2 and runs until December 6, with the Tux & Trees Gala being held on December 5.

The Festival showcases 20 lavishly decorated trees, designed by businesses and individuals in the community such as the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Association. This year, a selected number of trees will be available to win in a chance raffle. Visitors to the Festival will be able to purchase a raffle ticket for the suggested donation of $10, or 3 tickets for $20. The winning tickets will be drawn at the end of Santa’s Block Party on Sunday, December 6.  The block party event will feature holiday crafts, a Brunch with Santa, vendors from across the area, and more.

"Adding the raffle element will allow more people the opportunity to take home one of our magnificent trees,” says Goodwill spokesperson Madison Mitchell. “Now, anyone who attends the Festival will have a chance- not just those who attend the Gala.”

The Tux & Trees Gala is the highlight of the week-long Festival of Trees celebration.. This year’s auction includes trees by returning designers The Home Depot, Norris Home Furnishings, and other community businesses. The evening will also feature a silent auction with beautifully decorated wreaths and other extravagant gift packages.

Last year, the Festival of Trees and Tux & Trees Gala raised $90,000 to support Goodwill’s mission of helping people in the Southwest Florida community by providing life-changing opportunities to employment and independence.

Sponsorships are still available and range from $300 - $10,000. For more information visit www.tuxandtrees.com or call (239)995-2106 ext. 2213.

For Festival dates, times, and ticket information visit www.tuxandtrees.com.  For information about Goodwill’s programs and services visit www.goodwillswfl.org.

-30-