Despite the continuing nuisance of COVID, it was a successful 19th Annual Festival of Trees held recently at the Lycoming Mall. The event raised more than $15,000 for the local unit of the Salvation Army. Volunteer auctioneer Michael Roan auctioned off numerous decorated trees sponsored by local businesses.
The Trail Inn of Cogan Station received the People’s Choice Award, and Professional Lawn and Landscape Co. of Trout Run was deemed “Best of the Festival.” The Salvation Army will present both businesses with plaques in January to thank them and recognize their accomplishments.
The public determined the People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite tree with monetary donations at the Lycoming Mall and sponsoring businesses. The ornately decorated Trail Inn tree was the runaway winner for the People’s Choice Award, receiving twice as many votes as any other tree.
The Best of the Festival award recognizes the tree that raises the most money overall to support The Salvation Army’s local programs and services. Professional Lawn and Landscape Co. was the “Best of the Festival,” bringing in more than $1,000.
This year 36 local businesses and organizations participated in the Salvation Army’s Festival of Trees, decorating trees, and donating accompanying incentive packages. The Lycoming Mall hosted the tree display from November 21 through December 10. On December 10, Mike Roan, of Michael T. Roan Real Estate, auctioned off all the trees and the incentives near the mall’s center court. The auction drew approximately 150 attendees, including more than 50 registered bidders. In total, the 2021 Festival of Trees raised more than $15,000 — about twice the amount raised in 2020.
“We are both delighted and humbled by the generosity of the local community,” said Major Sheryl Hershey, Williamsport Corps Officer/Pastor, told Webb Weekly. “The proceeds from this event enable us to continue bringing help and hope to our neighbors in need—both during the holiday season and throughout 2022.”
“Our special thanks to event-level sponsors Backyard Broadcasting, the Lycoming Mall, PA Skill by Miele Manufacturing, and Roan Real Estate,” said Lt. Jacki Brewer, Associate Corps Officer/Pastor. “Their substantial support is what makes this event possible and successful year after year.”
2021 marks the 19th year of The Salvation Army’s Festival of Trees. Since its inception, this event has generated more than $225,000 to keep The Salvation Army’s local programs and services in operation.
The Salvation Army of Williamsport, through its programs and services, helps meet the physical, educational, social, and spiritual needs of thousands of children, adults, families, and seniors in our community each year. The Williamsport Corps provides our community with a food pantry, clothing and furniture vouchers, rent and utility assistance (grant-dependent), school supplies, Christmas food and toy assistance, youth and music programs, summer camps, Golden Agers/Friendship Club, Women’s Home League, emergency disaster services, the Red Shield Community Garden, a thrift store, weekly Sunday school, and worship services and more.
In November 2021, The Salvation Army ranked #2 in The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual evaluation of “America’s Favorite Charities.”
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s programs and services or to participate in our 2022 Festival of Trees, visit SalvationArmyWilliamsport.org, connect with us on Facebook or Instagram, or call 570-326-9187.
