The Festival of Trees Celebrates 12th Season of Holiday Fun

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Nov. 13, 2018 - PRLog -- Goodwill's annual Festival of Trees opens to the public on Nov. 28 and runs until Dec. 2 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for its 12th season, featuring 22 lavishly decorated trees, designed by businesses in the community and valued up to $9,600. The trees are raffled to the public.

A holiday family tradition in the Fort Myers River District, the festival is the signature fundraising event of The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation. Festival Admission to view the trees is $2.00, with children under 12 admitted free.

Festival visitors will be able to acquire raffle tickets throughout the Festival for a chance to win one (or more) of the trees, which include many gifts under and around the trees, as well as on the trees. Tickets are available for a suggested minimum donation of $10 and the trees are delivered direct to the winners' homes within the five-county metropolitan area for no additional charge.

"Our tree designers are including amazing gifts this year and for those interested in other raffle items, we'll have sports, travel, beauty and theater options for raffle," said Susan Hegarty, Public Relations Manager for Goodwill.  "In addition to viewing the trees, activities include free stage entertainment, Painting with a Twist, Bingo, Ugly Sweater Contest and a Block Party with Santa Claus."

A special preview party will provide a sneak peek of the trees, and also include a presentation of Goodwill's Breakthrough Award winners.  The preview will be held Nov. 27, with tickets available at www.GoodwillTrees.com. Award winners include Janis Morgan, Daisy Martinez, Ann Arnall, Caloosa Humane Society, Two Men and a Truck and ImageFIRST.

A free concert Friday night features The Nowhere Band;the popular Santa's Block Party is 10 am until 2 p.m. Saturday. The Block Party includes a vendor showcase, and a Children's Holiday Workshop that includes cookie decorating, crafts, a bounce house and giant slide, movies, and more. Tickets are available at the Art Center and at the door for $6.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities and disadvantages in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties.  Supported programs include education, career services, small business classes, community outreach, disability-accessible housing, and more. In 2016, Goodwill helped 30,000 Southwest Floridians in need to become more independent and handed out thousands of vouchers to Hurricane Irma victims in 2017.

For the full Festival of Trees schedule and ticket information, visit www.GoodwillTrees.com.  For information about Goodwill's programs and services visit www.goodwillswfl.org.