Community Connections’ 19th annual Festival of Trees and third annual Festival of Wreaths are underway, with proceeds going to benefit people with disabilities in Southwest Colorado.
Last week, Community Connections invited the Cortez community to kick off the holiday season in style by hanging holiday wreaths.
More than 45 wreaths were put up for display Nov. 21 through Dec. 4 lighting up shop windows in downtown Cortez and other Montezuma County communities.
The event features a scavenger hunt, with the opportunity to win a share of $1,000 in Cortez Cash Cards from the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association.
The more wreaths you find the greater your chances of winning. Participants can play with a paper passport or digitally on their phones. Visit Trees22.GiveSmart.com for details on how to play.
“We wanted to make the wreath event more interactive for the community this year. Bring in some holiday spirit by taking a tour of the wreaths. They are beautifully and creatively decorated,” said organizer Cynthia Sadler.
In Durango, the 19th Annual Festival of Trees offers free and family-friendly fun this weekend.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Train Museum will be open noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2-4. Community members are invited to tour a magical winter wonderland of more than 30 trees and wreaths.
Bid on all the festive creations from both communities and vote for your favorites in an online silent auction at Trees22.GiveSmart.com. The auction starts at noon Dec. 2 and ends at 5 p.m. on Dec. 4. Items are now live for viewing on the auction website. To get a sneak peek and register in advance visit Trees22.GiveSmart.com or text Trees22 to 76278.
A virtual online auction Dec. 2-4 lets you participate from the comfort of your own home. The online event will feature a chance to bid on over 60 trees and wreaths, creative gifts and festive decorations from both communities.
To learn more visit Trees22.GiveSmart.com or email festivaloftrees@cci-colorado.org.
Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward Community Connection programs and services that assist youths and adults with mental and developmental disabilities.
“Our mission to create opportunities four our clients to have fulfilling lives in the community,” Sadler said.
Activities and education are offered, and as well as volunteer and job programs, including at local businesses.
Client costs for Community Connections services are paid in full by Medicaid. The revenue pays for 80% of the agency’s programs, so fundraisers are needed to cover the annual shortfall, Sadler said.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
