Ann's Place Festival Of Trees Expanding: Helping Cancer Survivors One Tree At A Time

By SHANNON HICKS

Published: Nov 14, 2008 12:00 am

Annâs Place Festival Of Trees Expanding: Helping Cancer Survivors One Tree At A Time

DANBURY â Annâs Place, the largest support organization for cancer patients and their families in the Danbury region, has announced plans for its 2008 Festival of Trees, to be held November 21-23 at the Danbury Plaza Hotel.

This is the sixth year for the popular fund-raising event, which features the auction of a dazzling array of custom-decorated holiday trees sponsored by area businesses, groups and individuals. Sponsors may choose a theme for their tree and decorate it themselves or have the decorating done by expert volunteers. The festival also includes the sale of donated quilts, wreaths and other hand-crafted holiday gifts.

In addition, this yearâs festival will also feature tea parties for youngsters, a Lego competition for students, and a cabaret evening of dining and ballroom dancing for adults.

Â âThis is a wonderful holiday experience for the whole family,â commented Wilda Hayes, executive director of Annâs Place. âFrom the moment you enter the ballroom and stroll through the spectacularly decorated trees, you can see the results of a community coming together to help those in need. Every tree, wreath and quilt at the festival represents another member of our caring community stepping forward to lend a helping hand. And, with all the activities planned this year, the festival is sure to create lasting memories for attendees of all ages.â

The 2008 festival will be held at the Danbury Plaza Hotel & Conference Center (formerly The Sheraton Hotel), 18 Old Ridgebury Road. It will kick off with a reception including live music by Swing Commandos and silent auction of the decorated trees on Friday, November 21, from 6:30 to 10 pm. Ticket are $75 and advance reservations are strongly recommended.

The trees remain on display, along with crafts and holiday gifts for sale, throughout the festival on Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23, from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Admission to the festival is $10 for adults, $5 children and seniors (free ages 4 and under).

Additional festival events designed for all members of the family include The Lego Artists Challenge, for students K-12, on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. âLegomaniacsâ can bring their Lego creations and compete for valuable prizes. Fee is $15 per entry (which includes admission to the rest of the festival);

The Cabaret evening of dining, dancing and ballroom entertainment for adults, featuring professional dancers Martin and Desiree Smith and Antonio the Dancing DJ, on Saturday from 6:30 to 11 pm. Admission is $125 per person; and

My Friend & Me Teas, for children ages three and up accompanied by an adult, on Sunday at noon and 2 pm. Tea Party admission is $15.

For information about the festival, including sponsoring and decorating a tree, and to make reservations for all activities, call 790-6568 or visit AnnsPlace.org.

Annâs Place, The Home of I CAN, is the largest support organization for cancer patients and their families in the greater Danbury area, currently serving nearly 600 clients each month from counties in western Connecticut and eastern New York.

Annâs Place relies entirely on private donations to fund its programs and does not charge clients for its services. Its network of highly trained professionals provides individual counseling, referrals, support groups, education and wellness programs.

Patricia Anzellotti

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Ann's Place Festival Of Trees Expanding: Helping Cancer Survivors One Tree At A Time

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