Festival of Trees winners announced

NEWS RELEASE

THE LUNG ASSOCIATION

************************* 13th annual Festival of Trees kicks off the season

SAULT STE. MARIE (November 22, 2011) - The 13th annual Festival of Trees has come and gone and The Lung Association, Great Lakes Power Transmission and their partners were very pleased with all aspects of the event.

Christmas lovers of all ages visited the festival between November 17 and 20 at the Delta Waterfront Sault Ste. Marie Hotel and Conference Centre.

They enjoyed the trees, participated in the auction and tried their luck at the raffles.

Over 275 people were on hand for the RBC Royal Bank Take 5 on Thursday evening.

The festivities continued long into the evening with the EZ Rock Coffee House.

Youngsters enjoyed the Kiwanis Activities Centre and Christmas shopping in the Essar Steel “Secret Shop.”

Many guests of the festival this year commented that attending the event has become a family tradition.

At the Station Mall, 500 guests participated in the Festival of Trees, sold out “Breakfast with Santa,” sponsored by the Station Mall Merchants Association.

All proceeds from this event also support The Lung Association.

As part of the festival, guests were asked to vote for their favourite tree.

This year’s winning entry was entered by the Great Lakes Power Transmission.

“Christmas Fantasy” was the winner, that certainly caught the attention of all the guests, especially the children.

Second place went to Canadian Tire for “Nights to Remember.”

Third place went to Community First Credit Union “Tranquility.”

Guests of the event were also asked to vote for their favourite high school tree in a decorating contest between local high schools.

The winning School Spirit Tree was awarded to Korah Collegiate.

“Gift of Choices” sponsored by Station Mall, was won by Amanda Vanderleest.

She selected her 50 cards from the basket, earning her $1,050 in Station Mall gift cards out of a possible $1,500.

On Monday, November 21 participants who purchased a gem off of the Savoy’s Diamond Tree visited Savoy’s downtown location to see if they had chosen the diamond.

Bonnie Pozzebon of Sault Ste. Marie chose gem number 89 and she was the lucky winner.

This year the diamonds were sold out by mid day Friday.

Funds generated by the Festival of Trees will support Lung Association community programs and research for another year.

The event generated over $60,000 in revenue for The Lung Association.

Without the assistance of the many community organizations, businesses and volunteers that participated and supported The Lung Association, the festival would not have been possible.

The Lung Association extends its sincerest thanks to sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests of The Festival of Trees.

It is with this support that The Lung Association will continue in its mission “To Improve Lung Health”.

Preparations for next year’s Festival have already begun!

For more information, please call 705-256-2335.

Happy Holidays from The Lung Association!!!

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