SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The holiday season is as much about getting in the spirit as it is about giving back. The annual “Celebration of Trees” fundraiser for ANEW Place does both.
The theme of this year’s Celebration of Trees at the University Mall in South Burlington is “Help find hope a home.” It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for ANEW Place.
The Burlington-based nonprofit works to provide services to adults experiencing homelessness.
“It is such a great way to give back to our community and to help our neighbors who are most in need, especially at a time like this,” said Bobbe Pennington of ANEW Place.
This year’s fundraiser features 31 decorated Christmas trees and corresponding gifts, all donated by businesses and individuals.
“We sell raffle tickets… and people put their tickets in whatever tree they love,” said Jill Vespa of ANEW Place.
Every tree has a theme, like the one from Vermont Smoke and Cure which features decorations made using their product packaging.
Some people have already bought raffle tickets with a specific tree in mind.
“This is actually the second time I’ve been in to buy raffle tickets… We have a friend who has a tree here, it’s Katie’s tree. So, I’m glad I can come and see that and support the cause,” said Michelle Lacroix of Colchester.
All of the money raised will support the work of ANEW Place. The goal this year is to raise more than $50,000.
“That money will go toward helping our neighbors as we work with them at our sober house, 89 North Street, to take the next steps in their own journeys and eventually find permanent housing,” Pennington said.
Raffle ticket sales will continue through Dec. 15. The drawing is Dec. 16. Winners will receive the tree, ornaments and all the gifts underneath.
“We count on the community to keep our doors open,” Vespa said. “Without the fundraisers that we have and our annual donors, we don’t exist.”