What is the Festival of Trees?
The Festival of Trees Gala is KARE’s signature fundraising event. This cherished, annual tradition, usually held in November, brings our community together to celebrate the season of giving and make a difference in the lives of children and families in Haywood County.
This elegant evening features:
- A Showcase of Creativity –
Admire and bid on trees uniquely designed and decorated by local artists, businesses, and community groups. - Delicious Dinner and Festive Drinks – Share a meal with fellow supporters and make some new friends.
- Silent and Live Auctions – Bid on unique and curated items, baskets, experiences, and more!
- Raffles & Giveaways –
Participate in exciting raffles for a chance to win fabulous prizes. - Captivating Entertainment – Enjoy live music and performances.
Thank You!
To all of our wonderful community including sponsors, donors, attendees, volunteers, staff, and our extended family of community partners, thank you! You helped make the 2024 Festival of Trees our most successful fundraising event yet!
This year’s fabulously successful gala was presented by Farm Bureau of Haywood County and Digital Buzz Media. Thanks to both of our Crystal Presenting sponsors!
Your Impact
With your help, we raised over $80,000–a new Festival of Trees record–shattering our previous record of $61,000! Your support means we are able to continue providing much needed programs for children and families affected by abuse and neglect in Haywood County. Thank you!
To learn more about our programs and where these funds will be utilized, check out our Services page:
The "Winning" Tree
All of this year’s decorated trees were GORGEOUS! There were so many unique themes including two “rival” trees from Pisgah and Tuscola. The tree pictured here, titled Mystical Mountain Christmas and decorated by the Pamela Penny Williams Realty Group, took the cake by raising a whopping $2400 for KARE! See our photo gallery below to see more of these beautiful trees.
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors
Crystal Presenting Sponsors
Holly Sponsors
Mountain Asphalt Repair
Custom Paving
WCD Demo & Construction
Halls Building & Rentals
Tinsel
Evergreen Foundation
Pamela Penny Williams Real Estate
Paddle Sponsor
Valley Precast
Star
Ryse Construction
Ken Hall Knives
Bishop Financial
Mountain View Housing
Hometrust Bank
Mistletoe
Epsilon Tech
Cook’s Carpets
Champion Credit Union
Women of Waynesville
Haywood Regional Hospital
New Covenant Church
Missed out on sponsoring or attending our 2024 Festival of Trees? Get on the waiting list for our 2025 gala which will be held in November! Email us at abearden@karehouse.org or LLanoue@karehouse.org.
Or better yet, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter and be one of the first to know about any and all opportunities.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Decorate a Tree
Let your creativity shine as you decorate a tree to impress our judges and attendees. Gala attendees will bid on these beautifully decorated trees to take home and add festive charm to their holiday season. All gala and tree auction proceeds go to KARE and their advocacy, support, training, and resource efforts. Here is a sample form so you can start planning:
FOT '24 Tree Showcase Details and Form
Donate
We will be gathering items for both our silent and live auctions as well as our raffles, and we would be incredibly grateful for any donation you can provide. Whether it's a product, service, or monetary contribution, your support will make a significant impact on the lives of the children and families we serve.
FOT '24 Donations for auction Request.pdf
Volunteer
We're looking for passionate volunteers to help make 2025's Festival of Trees a magical and successful event. Whether you can assist with setup or help behind the scenes, your support is invaluable. If you'd like to be a part of our team, contact KARE at 828-456-8995 or email us.
