CREC gets ready to deck the halls

SANDPOINT — Is it too early to think about decking the halls?

Not when you're talking about Community Resource EnVision Center’s annual Festival of Trees, it isn't.

Spanning two Saturdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, this year's events offer a whole new experience the community won't want to miss, Katie Begalke, CREC's executive director, said.

Not only has the gala fundraiser been moved to The Hive, the Friends and Family Day celebration has been expanded to a full day, and a partnership with The Angels Over Sandpoint will help bring the event to life and pack in as much fun as possible and maximize community impact.

“Each of these decisions increases the opportunity for community involvement and collaboration and will make this Festival of Trees one to remember," Begalke said.

Family and Friends Day, which has become a beloved part of the community's Festival of Trees celebration, will kick off the events Saturday, Nov. 30. The free, all-day event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held at The Hive, 207 N. First Ave. 

The community is invited to take a photo with Santa, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, and get a peek at the decorated trees. In addition, attendees will be invited to vote on their favorite gingerbread creations by area fourth graders. In addition, CREC officials said there will be chances to enjoy local holiday entertainment and free crafts and activities for youth.

Five of the Christmas trees have been moved to a virtual auction where everyone in the community will have a chance to bid on a tree "that lights their home and ignites the spirit of giving," Olivia Luther, CREC board president, said.

Fifty percent of tree sale proceeds will be given back to the nonprofit tree creator, Luther said.

CREC kept its popular giving tree and will be auctioning a tree donated to the celebration by the Idaho Club.

"All of this adds up to the perfect recipe for spreading holiday cheer with your loved ones and making memories that will last a lifetime,” Luther said.

The following week, the event's gala and live auction will be held Dec. 7 at The Hive. Held from 5:30 to 11 p.m., the event is gearing up to be the most glamorous holiday event of the season.

"Picture this: VIP balcony booths, jaw-dropping decor and a catered feast from 113 Main that will have your taste buds singing," Begalke said. "Don your fanciest attire because this is your chance to sparkle and shine — the night is bound to be hotter than a mulled wine on a winter night."

Come ready to eat, drink and be merry — and ready to bid on fabulous trees created by the area's nonprofits, Begalke said.

"And here’s the scoop: You’ll be the first to hear about the Community Resource EnVision Center's bold new vision for 2025," the executive director said. "This is one festive affair you won’t want to miss."

The center's vision is, quite simply, to build a stronger community together, said Begalke.

"Through collaboration, the Festival of Trees can be turned into a win-win that benefits several nonprofit organizations and more importantly, the people we mutually serve,” she said.

At the 2023 Festival of Trees, CREC raised $213,000, giving away $17,870 to 19 local nonprofits through a 20% giveback on their live auction trees. Begalke said CREC will continue the spirit of giving by partnering with five key nonprofits that meet the critical needs of their clients with a 50% giveback on the trees sold at Friends and Family Day. Additionally, 30% of the entire proceeds from the gal's live auction will be awarded to the Angels Over Sandpoint, an organization that has been assisting community members in need for nearly 30 years. 

“We are excited to partner with the Angels and to create a fund that is earmarked for financial assistance to community members for whom there is no current support," Luther said.

A local 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2011, bridging the gap for those in need by helping them find resources, connect with vital nonprofits, and access skilled community members. The center partners with a diverse range of organizations, spanning human services, arts, social clubs and environmental initiatives.

"Each organization plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant community … with Bonner County having three times the national average of nonprofits per capita, we are striving to create a cooperative hub where these organizations can grow and thrive together," Begalke said. "When you join us at the Festival of Trees, you are ensuring that no one facing a crisis, or supporting those in need, does so in isolation; your support can help create a stronger, more connected community for all.”

Information: CRECidaho.com/festival-of-trees

    Musicians from the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint perform at the 2023 Festival of Trees.
  

    Kaniksu Community Health's Festival of Trees offering sold for $32,000, with $6,400 benefitting The Good Samaritan Inn
  

    Decor brings winter magic to the 2023 Festival of Trees.