23rd Annual Festival of Trees Benefiting Brenner Children’s Hospital

November 8, 2010

A sparkling winter village full of shops, sounds of the holidays and a collection of 40 beautifully decorated Christmas trees will highlight the 23rd annual Festival of Trees, a holiday tradition that benefits patients and programs at Brenner Children’s Hospital at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

The 2010 Festival of Trees will be held at the Education Building on the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 21, from noon until 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 2-12. Tickets are sold only at the door. Parking is free.

Festival highlights include displays of decorated miniature trees and wreaths that are available for purchase, a children’s activities area, holiday entertainment and shopping. The centerpieces of the festival are 40 Christmas trees, each decorated in a holiday theme by community volunteers and the Friends of Brenner Children’s Hospital.

“The Festival of Trees has always been one of the largest fundraisers for Brenner, and it is an event that brings the community together to raise money for programs that help patients and their families,” said Susan Kennedy, director of annual support and special projects at Wake Forest Baptist. “We encourage everyone to come out, celebrate the holidays and support the pediatric programs at Brenner Children’s Hospital.”

The festival will have a wide range of specialty shops with an assortment of gifts, including items from Dewey’s Bakery, Freeze Frame, Ketchie Creek Bakery, Knit Picky, Sassy Selections and Augusta’s Creations.

Shoppers can bid on gingerbread houses through a silent auction in the festival’s Gingerbread Village, or purchase beautifully decorated miniature trees and wreaths. For non-shoppers who want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere, entertainment will be provided by such groups as Whitaker Elementary School Chorus, Snappy Tappers and Academy of Dance Arts.

Santa Claus will arrive Saturday morning for a special breakfast from 9-10 a.m. He will be on hand to listen to every child’s wish list. Children under 12 may go to the children’s activities area to make crafts, play games or visit the Children’s Shop (no adults allowed) and purchase gifts, all under $6, for family, teachers and friends.

For more information, contact Cindy Caines in the Wake Forest Baptist Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at (336) 716-7985.

Media Relations

Lisa Davanzo: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587

Main Number: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587