Festival of Trees set for Saturday

MOSES LAKE — Elaborately decorated Christmas trees and a good cause will be featured at the annual fundraisers sponsored by the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake Saturday. The 24th annual Festival of Trees will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

The Festival of Trees is the group’s largest fundraiser, said Shelly Detrick, Habitat’s co-president. (Mikey Stevens is the other co-president.)

Habitat for Humanity allows people to move into a home of their own – and built, in part, with their own labor – with the help of volunteers and donations. “We’re building a house this year,” Detrick said. The goal is to have the homeowner and her family in their new home before the New Year, she said.

Each tree is sponsored, by businesses or organizations, families, sometimes by groups of friends or individuals; former Habitat for Humanity clients have sponsored trees as well. The sponsors provide the ornaments, presents for under the tree and volunteers to decorate. Habitat for Humanity provides the tree, and decorating advice if needed. Tree sponsors can go with a theme, although it’s not required.

The trees are auctioned with the proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. The auction also includes other prizes, which in previous years have included trips, themed gift baskets, restaurant and food packages, and gift certificates.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake has built 13 houses, with the 14th under construction. Prospective homeowners partner with Habitat in the process, working alongside crews and volunteers to build the house.

Tickets are $75 per person, $145 per couple, and can be purchased at the Habitat for Humanity office or at the door.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.