By Kathy L. Collins
In an effort to spread holiday cheer and goodwill this season, Westfield Brandon has teamed up with six local non-profit organizations for a Festival of Trees. The trees will be decorated by the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay, The Greater Brandon Community Foundation, Girl Scouts, the Sylvia Thomas Center for Adoptive & Foster Families, the Trey Curry Foundation and the YMCA.
The six non-profits will compete in a creative tree decorating competition. The trees will be on display at Westfield Brandon at the Santa Set in Dick’s Sporting Goods Court from Saturday, November 17 through Monday, December 24.
The community is invited to vote for their favorite tree. The non-profit that receives the most votes will receive $500 plus proceeds from Westfield Brandon’s Silent Auction Trees.
Dawn Arvidson, Marketing Director for Westfield Brandon said, “One of the great pleasures we enjoy at Westfield is our ability to work with so many fine organizations in our community. The charity fundraiser, Festival of Trees, allows us to support the many great causes in our community.”
Westfield Brandon will also be selling raffle tickets for one lucky shopper to win a professionally decorated tree. Raffle tickets will be available from Saturday, November 17 through Sunday, December 16 at the Westfield Concierge Booth for $5 each or five for $20. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the non-profit who receives the most votes.
In addition, shoppers will be able to register to win a $500 shopping spree at specially decorated holiday trees sponsored by White House/Black Market, bebe, Lucky Brand Jeans, Gymboree, Justice and Clarks Kids.
The Sylvia Thomas Center for Adoptive & Foster Families’ tree is titled “America’s Heart is in Adoption. Wayne Witczak, a Child Advocate said on behalf of the Sylvia Thomas Center, “The tree is so beautiful. It reflects perfectly on who we are as an organization..” The tree was made possible thanks to the generosity of David Williams, Krewe of Shamrock, Build a Bear Workshop and Eileen Hall.
You can cast your vote for your favorite tree at Facebook.com/WestfieldBrandon. The winning non-profit will be announced the week following Christmas.
For more information on the Festival of Trees and other events and specials at the Westfield Brandon, please visit www.westfield.com/Brandon.
