Festival of Trees raises money for Habitat for Humanity

The Festival of Trees will have live music, refreshments and Christmas activities along with its silent auction of themed Christmas trees, wreaths, crafts and more Friday-Saturday, Nov. 18-19.

The auction, to be held at First United Methodist Church on West Marvin, benefits Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County. According to its website, Habitat of Humanity’s goal is “to eliminate poverty housing in Ellis County – one home and one family at a time.”

Festival of Trees is a two-day event starting Friday, Nov. 18, from 5-9 p.m., where attendees can browse the different items available for bid while enjoying Butter & Grace pies, hot chocolate and Christmas music. Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County president Suzie Timmerman said Friday is more of a preview night. The silent auction takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Attendees are given a card with a bid number on it as they walk in. Each item has a bid sheet, so people can see what their competition is for the items.

“There’s trees and wreaths and anything Christmas that you can bid on,” Timmerman said.

The trees are often completely decorated to a specific theme. For example, one tree this year is Elvis Presley themed. Throughout the tree are Elvis Presley records, photos, cutouts, action figures and more. Timmerman said some trees will also have gift cards decorating the branches. The trees range in size from 3 feet tall to 6 or 7 feet tall, so everyone is bound to find something they like, she said.

There are trees crafted with different items including sewing notions, watches, silverware, tools and more. Timmerman said there will also be handmade wreaths and other Christmas decorations for walls or tables available for bid.

Along with Christmas decorations, Timmerman said there is also Santa’s Bag, which includes various gift cards, tickets and items donated by businesses and restaurants in Ellis County. Items in Santa’s Bag include Byron Nelson tickets, Dallas Arboretum tickets, Six Flags Holiday in the Park tickets and ShowBiz tickets.

Every item has a “buy now price” for those who do not want to lose their chance with the silent auction.

“If you really want it, and you just have to have it, you can pay that price and take it home,” Timmerman said.

There will be children’s activities as well Saturday, Nov. 19, including crafts, games, cookie decorating, face painting, stories, writing letters to Santa and Santa photos. Drinks and refreshments will be available throughout the day.

The silent auction ends at 3 p.m. Saturday. All items will be ready for pickup later that day at 5 p.m., and they must be picked up and paid for by 6 p.m.

All proceeds of the event go toward Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity or the Festival of Trees, visit http://www.ellishabitat.org/index.html or follow them on Facebook @EllisCoHabitatFestivalofTrees. Originally published November 15, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/arts_and_entertainment/festival-of-trees-raises-money-for-habitat-for-humanity/article_a7a08138-6563-11ed-8758-0f71a39bf5b0.html