About Us

History

The 2023 Holiday season marks the 32nd year of celebration and giving. Festival of Trees would not be possible without the tremendous support of a volunteer-led fundraising group of hundreds, who give of their time and talent, and a generous community to host one of the largest fundraising events in Gillette, Wyoming.

In 1992 a small group of volunteers banded together to raise funds for the Lifeline Emergency Response System. The first year of Festival of Trees emerged with a 16 tree and wreath auction, raising $9172 and providing service for 20 Lifeline subscribers.

In 2004, Festival of Trees became part of the NEW Community Health Foundation, continuing to support Lifeline. In the last 31 years, Festival of Trees has grown to an auction of 60 plus trees and wreaths.  The first day of Festival of Trees kicks off with Senior Day; a lunch for the senior population is held so the senior population may take part in our festivities as well as vote for their favorite tree and wreath. We also offer fun for all ages with a Family Day, gift shop, live entertainment, as well as a live and silent auction.

Festival of Trees has raised over $3,00,000 for the improvement of healthcare in our community.

2023 Executive Committee 

Christie Brink, Chairperson  

Sydney Wilson,  Past Chairperson

Lori Cargill, Secretary

Nachelle McGrath*, Treasurer & NEWCHF Liaison

Committee Members

Christie Brink, Senior Day

Ashley Brintle, Auction

Renae Rearick-Ballard, Delivery

Lori Cargill, Delivery

Jaelene Ritterhouse, Trees & Wreaths

Nachelle McGrath, Trees & Wreaths

Kristin McKenney, Physical

Melissa Sturdevant, Sponsorship

Camarae Kelley, Centerpieces

Kaylene Shelledy, Judging

Laura Wilkinson, Family Day

Cortney Bock, Physical

Alissa McGrath, Volunteers & Entertainment

Tia Schmidt, Volunteer & Entertainment

Janda O’Bryan, Raffle

Sydney Wilson, Kick-Off