Christmas trees create a lavish holiday display Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Christmas trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, Santa and more brought holiday cheer to the Lincoln Ballroom Nov. 19 to 26 for the 27th annual Festival of Trees fundraiser for Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
The benefit, “Giving Kids More Nights to Dream,” has raised more than $25 million since its beginning for medical equipment, training and research grants.
Decorated by talented volunteers, the full-size trees are delivered after the weeklong event, while the tabletop trees and wreaths can be taken home when purchased.
The family-friendly event offered an intricate Glancy Train layout courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Society, while on the other side of the room an amazing world of Lego creations, including an intricate Hogwarts display, fascinated attendees of all ages.
Santa was on hand Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
Santa was on hand for consults and photo opportunities, and a craft table allowed children to take a break from walking the aisles with the grownups.
Nearby, talented artists painted children’s faces and wrists with holiday designs.
Gingerbread houses that looked almost too good to eat, as well as other artistic holiday treats, offered a tempting tableau.
A money tree, firmly incased in a locked clear case, offered a chance to win money for those willing to purchase a chance.
Scott Killingbeck, president of the Festival of Trees, said he was glad the event returned to Dearborn this year, and to the city’s supportive community. He thanked the volunteers and supporters for their involvement.
A model train layout of Glancy Trains, sponsored by the Detroit Historical Society, draws attention Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
“We thank you for joining us in giving kids more days to play, nights to dream and time to just be kids,” he said.
Because childhood disease research is often underfunded, events like The Festival of Trees help raise money to support new medical treatment discoveries and the discovery of techniques to improve care.
Current areas of focus include developing treatments to improve diagnosis and care of pediatric patients with COVID-19, increasing access to clinical trials for Detroit children with pediatric cancer, creating an extubation readiness estimator for preterm babies, and improving cognitive outcomes for speech and language in children with epilepsy.
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said the Festival of Trees holds a special place in the hearts of Dearborn residents and visitors.
“It brings together people from all walks of life for a common purpose, to celebrate the holiday spirit, showcase creativity through beautifully decorated trees, and, most importantly, to support a vital charitable cause.”
Children enjoy crafts Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
An intricate Lego display fascinates youngsters Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
A girl receives a snowflake face painting adornment Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
Christmas trees create a lavish holiday display Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
Above and below, gingerbread houses create a tempting display Nov. 24 during the 39th annual Festival of Trees, which serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
