Festive, fun and worthwhile!
Festival of Trees is a unique community fundraiser that supports programming, services, shelter, training, information and resources to address domestic and sexual violence in the Outer Banks.

 
Festival of Trees brings together individuals, families, businesses and organizations to celebrate the holiday season with twinkling lights, festive musical performances, punch and homemade cookies, craft activities for children, a visit with Santa complete with a souvenir photo, and shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts.

The culmination of the Festival is an auction of donated, decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Objects at a catered Gala Holiday Social. This year's auctioneer:
George H. Moore (N.C.A.L. #7149 of Heritage Auction Company.

Participation
There are a variety of ways to become involved in the Festival of Trees from sponsorship to donating a tree to attending any one or all of the planned events. All of the events are open to the public free of charge except for the Saturday evening Gala Holiday Social and Benefit Auction, which requires purchase of a ticket to attend. Festival of Trees is fresh and new each year — a not to be missed Outer Banks holiday tradition!

Sponsorship
A tax deductible contribution specifically made to produce the event or to jump start the fundraising purpose of the event will receive special recognition in advertising for Festival of Trees including radio, newspapers, posters and the event program. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact the Hotline business office at (252) 473-5121.

Christmas Trees
A business, organization or individual may decorate a full-sized tree in the theme of their choice for the Festival. A 6-8 foot fresh tree (provided) will be set up at the Decorating Party. Christmas Trees are usually decorated around a theme and the Christmas Tree contributors bring their decorations, gift certificates and gifts to the party where they will carefully wire the lights and ornaments to the tree (the trees are delivered intact to high bidders following the auction!). At the closed to the public decorating party, complimentary pasta stations will be served. A cash bar is available and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages will be served throughout the evening. The decorated trees will be displayed to the public throughout the Festival, and the lucky high bidder at the Benefit Auction on Saturday evening will win the tree and all of the accompanying gifts and/or certificates.

Holiday Gifts
Wreaths, tabletop trees, and other holiday objects are also welcome additions to the auction. Past donations have included traditional wreaths, stained glass creations, carved decoys, hand-made furniture and local artwork. Contributors are invited to bring their unique items to the Decorating Party and then stay to enjoy an evening of good food and fun!

Champagne Raffle
A lucky $1 ticket will win a magnum of Champagne AND the services of The Pearl's chef, Marc Berruet. He will come to your home to present a dining experience to remember!

Las Vegas Raffle
You could be the lucky winner of a trip for two to Las Vegas! $5 per ticket!

Holiday Bazaar
Bargains abound in the one-of-a-kind sale of holiday and festive items saved from Hotline Thirft Shops throughout the year. Endless Possibilities, Hotline’s recycled weaving program, will display and sell their fine handmade woven items, including small rugs and table runners, scarves, Christmas stockings, handbags, and even clogs. Fun shopping for unique gifts up to the afternoon of the Auction.

Thursday Only! Santa, courtesy of East Carolina Bank, visits from 6 p.m-8 p.m.

Friday Only! Outer Banks Shopping Extravaganza
New! A donated gift or service from local businesses will be on sale at bargain prices. This is a great opportunity to shop for holiday bargains and support Hotline at the same time. Proceeds to benefit Outer Banks Hotline's many crisis intervention/prevention programs. The "Everything must go!" countdown begins at 7 p.m.

Suggested Donations
Donations of canned goods, household supplies and/or pet food will be collected for area food pantries and shelters. Donations of these items will be accepted all day Thursday and Friday and until 2 p.m. on Saturday.