Trees of Tradition

For 25 years, the Festival of Trees has been making the season brighter — both with holiday cheer and by supporting young people throughout Northeast Ohio.

Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance will celebrate the silver anniversary of its signature fundraiser with the 25th Annual Festival of Trees Gala on Saturday, Nov. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Guests can settle in for an evening filled with holiday sparkle, including a prime rib dinner, live and silent auctions, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and plenty of chances to win. Returning favorites include the Wine Tree, Dessert Dash and Heads or Tails.

But behind all the festivities is a mission that extends well beyond the holiday season.

Funds raised through the event help Torchlight provide four types of mentoring programs to more than 220 young people, ages 6 to 23, throughout Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. The organization works to help youth reach their potential as responsible, adaptable and caring adults.

In the beginning, local businesses, community members and mall stores decorated and donated trees that were displayed and raffled. By its third year, the event had moved to Quail Hollow and added a silent auction, gradually evolving into the celebration guests know today.

“There is something truly special about celebrating 25 years of Festival of Trees,” says Tia Lawrence, executive director. “This event brings our community together to celebrate, have fun, and most importantly, support mentoring relationships that can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.”

Tickets are $150 per person, with VIP tables and sponsorship opportunities also available.

For tickets, sponsorship information and event details, visit Torchlightyma.ejoinme.org/festival.