When is the 2013 Festival of Trees?
The 2013 Festival will be hosted at the Interstate Center (Mini Expo and West Expo Buildings) at 1106 Interstate Drive in Bloomington and will be held November 21-24, 2013.
How many people attend the Festival of Trees?
This family-centered event draws over 10,000 attendees and has raised 1.8 million dollars in its 18 year history. 100% of proceeds from the Festival go directly toward serving the children and families of The Baby Fold.
How do I buy a tree at Festival of Trees?
You may purchase at our Angel Price to ensure that you take “your tree” home come Sunday. Otherwise the trees are on silent auction during the Festival. For additional sponsorship opportunities in which you can sponsor a tree so that your name or business name is listed next to it for the duration of Festival – please call our Festival hotline: 309.454.7534
How do I attend the Top the Tree Opening Night Gala?
Tickets go on sale October 1 and may be purchased on line, by calling The Baby Fold @309.451.7205
How can I donate to the Festival by designing a wreath, tree, gingerbread house or other decorations?
You can visit our Be a Designer page at http://thebabyfold.net/volunteer/designers to learn all about designing and fill out the sign-up form.
How can I become more involved with the Festival of Trees?
The Festival of Trees needs the support of over 1200 volunteers to put on this wonderful community event. We have positions from greeters and ticket-takers to set-up and tear-down to committee members to designers. Please visit our How to Help page: http://thebabyfold.net/volunteer
Do I have to be present to win the auction?
You do not need to be present. However, the Festival committee member must be able to reach you by phone on Sunday evening or be able to leave a message for you on an answering machine. Please make sure that the number you write on your bid slip is the number where you can be reached or where we can leave a message. Be sure your message box is not full.
What happens if I am not at home and have no answering machine? Either leave a cell phone number or a number where you can be reached immediately.We must be able to reach you somehow. When you fill out the raffle form, leave a number of a friend or family member where we can leave a message.
How do I get the item that I won?
You may pick it up Sunday night between 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Is there an ATM located inside Festival?
Yes. Just within the front entrance.
How are the trees and the many other designs sold at Festival of Trees?
The first opportunity anyone has to purchase the designer trees and other items is at the Top the Tree Opening Night Gala. If you find something that you just love, but you don’t want to take the time to continue to bid on it through the Festival, you can choose to buy it at our Angel Price. Most items up for bid have an angel shaped tag with a price. Identify a festival staff member and they will help you purchase the item right away. Those items not receiving the Angel Price at the close of the silent auction Friday evening will then go on sale via a continuous silent auction method. This means that for the remaining days of Festival, November 10 – 11, the public may continuously bid on these items or purchase them at the Angel Price. Bidding will close on Sunday, November 11, at 1:00p.m. This begins a new section: When is the best time to attend Festival if I want to browse leisurely through the trees?
Who provides the financial support for Festival?
Each year, more than 100 businesses serve as Festival sponsors http://thebabyfold.net/volunteer/be-a-sponsor providing the critical seed money for Festival operations. Additionally, many designers generously donate their time and decorations to create the incredible designs that are shown and sold at Festival. Hundreds of local businesses provide donations, services, and discounts for the event. However, Festival’s success depends on the support of the thousands of people who attend Festival each year.
How does our Festival compare to other Festivals around the country?
Festival of Trees are fundraisers unique to the demographic but generally showcase beautifully decorated trees and support hospital services, the arts, education and other various needs.
