Fishers, IN – GOOD SAMARITAN NETWORK of Hamilton County, Inc., a local nonprofit 501c3 organization is excited to announce its annual Hamilton County Festival of Trees. The return of this holiday tradition marks a significant impact for the unserved, at-risk, and underserved Hamilton County families with critical programming for shelter, holiday, and food assistance.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration to decorate your own tree or simply want to revel in the magical atmosphere, the 2023 Festival of Trees is the perfect place to kick-start your holiday season.
The 10th Annual Festival of Trees will be held November 18, 6 pm with an onsite LIVE event and LIVE auction, as well as a Silent Auction. This unforgettable evening will take place at the beautiful Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel, 11925 N Meridian St. Carmel, Indiana, 46032. The evening includes a dinner, a keynote speaker, a surprise guest, and an auction including custom-designed themed Christmas trees, wreaths, and table centerpieces – all hand-decorated by local designers specifically as fundraising pieces. Purchased trees (5’ and taller) will be professionally delivered FREE to the purchaser’s residence or address of choice the following Monday after the event.
Nancy Chance said, “Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of beautifully decorated trees, twinkling lights, and the joyous spirit of the holidays, you’ll be glad you did. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, enjoy a program, indulge in a wonderful meal with delicious treats, and browse through a variety of unique hand-made holiday items you’ll want to take home as you kick-start your holidays.”
Reservations are now available and are required due to limited seating. To RSVP, please visit www.gsnlive.org/festival-of-trees, or contact Good Samaritan Network (317-842-2603 x200) for more details. An early registration discount to automatically save five dollars per person is available for those who register by October 10.
Nancy Chance said, “In 2022 we thoroughly enjoyed our second year at the Renaissance North with a near-capacity crowd. It was a historic evening, marking the first time a LIVE AUCTION tree, “Christmas Camping, We Will Go”, was auctioned for $6,000. But, the evening included a wonderful selection of countless other items in our SILENT AUCTION.” Chance went on to say, “2022 was our best year ever with our strongest list of sponsors and participants, grossing $91,197 for the event. The “live” auction was fast-paced, incredibly fun, and very successful, raising $30,600 alone!”
The Festival of Trees will include mobile and online bidding! Simply register and you’re ready to bid by phone and/or online at any time during the bidding timeline. No app is required.
Last year’s Holiday Assistance Program served over 46,000 people with (1) Thanksgiving Distribution of food boxes, (2) Thanksgiving Day Meals (drive-thru and delivery), (3) Christmas Distribution of food boxes and holiday toys, and (4) delivery of 791 holiday meals for shut-ins on Christmas Eve!
Speaking about the value of sponsorship. Nancy Chance said, “Since Festival of Trees began in 2014, we have been blessed with 110 amazing sponsors accumulating over $150,000 in sponsorships. Collectively they have assisted Hamilton County families by supporting GSN’s Client Assistance programs and services! That’s incredible and that’s why sponsor participation is so critical! Sponsorships usually provide over one-third of the fundraising gross, making a huge investment in our community and showing generosity and concern for our neighbors during the holidays! Thank you, sponsors!”
Sponsorships are available in multiple categories, including: Event Sponsor $8,000, Pinnacle Sponsor $4,000, Pillar Sponsor $2,000, Platform Sponsor $ 1,000 and Partner $500. Sponsors can easily register online: www.gsnlive.org/festival-of-trees.
Current 2023 Festival of Trees sponsors include:
Gaylor Electric Chuck Goodrich / Event Sponsor
Breathe Easy Hamilton County Stacy Collins / Pinnacle Sponsor
Gordon Insurance Austin Boyer / Pillar Sponsor
Dorsey Excavating Roscoe Dorsey / Pillar Sponsor
Christine Altman Hamilton County Commissioner / Platform Sponsor
For more Festival of Trees l of Trees information and details, or to become a sponsor or designer, visit our website: www.gsnlive.org/festival-of-trees or contact: Kim Harden, Good Samaritan Network Festival of Trees Event Coordinator, 317.379.0470, iloveitdesigns@att.net; or Nancy Chance, Good Samaritan Network, Founder/Executive Director, 317.842.2603, x200, nchance@gsnlive.org.