History of the Festival
In September 2002 an exploratory group was formed to develop the first Festival of Trees, which launched in November 2003 at the Portuguese Center.
By the following spring, the group had expanded into a full Festival planning committee. Inaugural Committee:
Kneeling, L to R: Selma Kenter, Wendee Nussle, Jean Conover, Donna Addessi, Wilda Hayes
Standing: Jeanne Parille, Geri Hutchings, Shirley LaPine, Lynn Henriquez, Sue Chabot
Festival volunteers came together to create this treasured tradition and continue to operate it today. Our Leadership Board and its larger Festival Committee and subcommittees meet 11 months of the year to keep this tradition fresh and exciting!
Over the last 21 years Festival has raised $4.15 million dollars to support area cancer patients. Hundreds of volunteers and scores of organizations enable Festival of Trees to grow and delight families in a whole new generation. We are so excited to celebrate 22 years of Festival magic in 2024!
Only with your community involvement can we continue the delivering of comprehensive clinical, wellness and educational services to our neighbors living with cancer in their most challenging hours.
