'Festival of Trees' Raises Nearly $25K For Charity

Editor's note: The following is a letter from a committee that organized a "Festival of Trees" fundraiser in Exeter that raised nearly $25,000 for a children's clothing fund. Money was raised through a raffle and the auctioning of decorated Christmas trees.

The adage “it takes a village” certainly describes Exeter’s Festival of Trees. This year our committee successfully raised approximately $24,500 in one evening thanks to the many components that were involved: Underwriters, decorators, tree farms, raffle tree donors, high school volunteers, the delivery crew, Exeter Copy and More, cookie donors, auction bidders, and the thousands who attended the event.

We were especially grateful to welcome some newcomers to our event: Yankee Clipper Landscaping, Russound, Jack Post Tree Stand Co., Baker, Newman & Noyes, All About Dogs and Cats, Bella Blossoms, Berwick Academy, Trackside Café, Main Street Art, Exeter Area Chamber Ambassadors, Festival Tree of Exeter, Exeter Education Association for Teachers, and Kathy Corson at Gallery One.

Of course, we always appreciate our loyal patrons! Thanks to all who helped offer warmth to many local families in need.

 – Bonnie Galinski & Jan Russell, co-chairmen, and the Festival of Trees Committee: Linda Allen, Polly Amundsen, Pam Bourgeois, Helen Burnham, Biz Corrow, Lynn Despelteau, Sue Drinker, Nancy Erdmann, Catrina Gaynor, Helen Joyce, Debby Kanner, Jeanette Lackey, Lisa Lortie, Kathy Mattucci, Lesley Morgan, Jeanne Moser, Dawn Perkins, Linda Safford, Heidi Spencer, Mary Stone, Maddy Tourville, Kathy Ullrich, Christy Utter, Lisa Wilson, and Ann Winter.