Annual holiday event to offer trees for purchase, online auction, safe virtual experiences, “visits” with Santa and entertainment for all
BALTIMORE, July 22, 2020 – Kennedy Krieger Institute, a non-profit organization internationally known for providing a wide range of health and education services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders or injuries that impact the nervous system, is transforming its iconic holiday event, Festival of Trees, from a three-day in-person festival to a hybrid extravaganza experience. With the health and safety of all the paramount concern, this year’s hybrid event will still feature one-of-a-kind artificial trees that will be available for purchase online, a virtual entertainment stage with family-friendly acts, online shopping with dozens of gift vendors, and an online auction site with a variety of auction items and special surprises for families to enjoy together from the comfort and safety of their homes.
“The safety of our dedicated Festival-goers, designers, patients, sponsors, volunteers and staff will always be our top priority,” said Dr. Brad Schlaggar, president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute. “Although things may look a little different this year, we are thrilled to be bringing Festival of Trees to your homes this November and we have a lot of new and exciting things in store. And, this year, no matter where you live, you can participate in the magic of Festival!”
The 31st annual Festival of Trees will once again take place Thanksgiving weekend—November 27-29, 2020. This year’s event will provide numerous opportunities for families to participate and experience the magic of Festival. General admission for the event is free and will allow families to experience the excitement of the holidays, while also providing exclusive activities and fun for families near and far.
In addition to weekend-long virtual entertainment for children and families, assigned times and expanded tree spacing will allow talented tree-designers to create their masterpieces, which will be sold online during the event, at the Cow Palace within the Timonium Fairgrounds while adhering to social distancing, masking and health and safety protocols. Only designers will be on site along with limited staff this year to ensure a safe experience for all. Additionally, Festival of Trees will feature an online silent auction that will allow individuals from anywhere the opportunity to bid and purchase items to check off their holiday shopping list.
Festival of Trees is Kennedy Krieger Institute’s largest and most impactful fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event support the more than 25,000 patients and families who receive a range of services from the Institute through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies, home and community services, research, advocacy and school-based programs.
“Throughout the Institute, whether in our telehealth care or this event, we have met the COVID-19 challenges with creativity and innovation. We are dedicated to continuing this iconic event and keeping the Thanksgiving weekend tradition alive for our loyal supporters and new friends from around the world to further the positive impact on the children and families who need our services,” said Linda Schaefer Cameron, vice president of Philanthropy at Kennedy Krieger Institute.
For more information and updates on the East Coast’s largest holiday extravaganza, visit https://festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org/ and stay tuned to Kennedy Krieger’s social media channels.
About Kennedy Krieger Institute:
Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally known, non-profit organization located in the greater Baltimore/Washington, D.C. region, transforms the lives of more than 25,000 individuals a year through inpatient and outpatient medical, behavioral health and wellness therapies, home and community services, school-based programs, training and education for professionals and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger provides a wide range of services for children, adolescents and adults with diseases, disorders or injuries that impact the nervous system, ranging from mild to severe. The Institute is home to a team of investigators who contribute to the understanding of how disorders develop, while at the same time pioneer new interventions and methods of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Visit KennedyKrieger.org for more information about Kennedy Krieger.