Kick off the holiday season by attending the Festival of Trees and Winter Faire, Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., University Tower Main level. Hosted by the UConn Health Auxiliary, the event serves as its main fundraiser with proceeds to benefit the UConn Health Patient Assistance Fund.
The Festival replaces the Auxiliary’s longstanding holiday bazaar. “Although the bazaar has always been well attended, we felt it was time to try something different and start a new tradition,” say Auxiliary Facilitator Irene Engel.
The event will incorporate some of the elements of the Holiday Bazaar. Instead of offering one day of shopping, the Festival will feature a variety of different local craftsman each day giving individuals more opportunities to shop and attend the event.
Also returning are the holiday baskets donated by the UConn Health community. “The holiday basket drawing is a fan favorite and every year departments are very generous in their donations,” adds Engel.
A sparkling display of trees decorated by Auxiliary members and UConn staff, students, and volunteers will be the main feature of the Festival. “This is a fun way for departments to get into the holiday spirit and show off their creativity,” says event co-chair Chris Kaminski. “Best of all, every beautifully decorated tree will go home with a lucky winner through the Festival of Trees and Winter Faire drawing,” adds Kaminski.
“As in past years, we hope the UConn Health community will support us by decorating and donating a tree and/or holiday basket and by attending the event,” says Engel.
Interested in decorating a tree or donating a holiday basket? Visit the Auxiliary website for tree decorating guidelines and registration information.