What’s behind the Festival of Trees
What’s Behind the Trees?
Many people may have heard about the Festival of Trees, which is celebrating its 10th annual event in2013, but may not be quite sure what the event is all about. Festival of Trees raises awareness of and funds for the Rescue Mission’s Bethel Village, and gives women like Cheryl, the opportunity to clean up their life and be reunited with their children, making a fresh start for their families.
Cheryl’s long-term drug use spun out of control after her husband of nine years left her for another woman. Her downward spiral caused her to lose her job, her home and her children. She gave up everything to feed her addiction and all the time the drugs were blinding her to the pain that she was causing the people around her, especially her two young sons.
At her lowest point, Cheryl began to hunger and thirst for change in her life. She joined the Bethel Village program of Panama City Rescue Mission in May 2012 and graduated from the program in February 2013. She is now united with her children and is working full time at a local company.
She knows that, “Change is hard…but if I could give 150% of myself over to my addiction, then I can give 150% of my devotion to God and that’s what I’m trying to do.” She gave her life to the Lord and is now rebuilding her relationship with her children as a new creature in Christ!
At the last Festival of Trees, Cheryl, along with the other Bethel Village students designed and trees to enter into the annual competition and silent auction.
Each year the Bethel Village students help prepare for the Festival of Trees. They work all season. They answer phone inquiries about the event, sign up volunteers, and even learn a little about advertising and promoting events. They help with every aspect of the Festival of Trees week, which is always held the first week of December.
The Bethel Village ladies (alongside dedicated volunteers) receive food donations, orient volunteers, and help with set-up. They check in dozens of uniquely themed Christmas trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and centerpieces.
They register guests who attend the many events held at the Festival of Trees. They staff an information booth about Bethel Village, answer questions about the program, and assist visitors touring the trees. The Bethel Village students even sing Christmas carols and give their testimony to visitors who attend small events during Festival of Trees week. During the Lunch with Santa, the Bethel Village ladies assist 120 homeless kids meeting Santa, doing crafts, touring the beautiful trees, and receiving presents. During general admission, the ladies help sell admission tickets, register guests for bidder numbers, and run the concession stand.
It doesn’t end there…the students also help with the break-down and delivery of Christmas trees to homes and businesses throughout the Bay County area.
In short, the Bethel Village students each year help raise more than $60,000 for the program that is helping to save their own lives. Most importantly, they have time to meet people in our community who support of Bethel Village. The ladies walk away with greater self-esteem and knowing people in our community truly care for them.
Trees and other items can be purchased for homes, business, or for our pre-approved list of needy families in Bay County. The Mission will deliver large trees free of charge. Check with the bidder registration table for details. Volunteer opportunities are available.
For more information on how to attend the event, please visit our Web site at http://www.centerfortheartspc.com/
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