Festival of Trees: Celebrating the Season and Supporting the Community

The College of Business, in conjunction with Presenting Sponsor Lookout Credit Union, once again partnered to host a local holiday favorite – the Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees is a tradition that aims to capture the magic of the holidays while bringing the community together in support of local education and community needs. This year’s benefiting groups included the local Alzheimer’s Association, Idaho State University Scholarships, Make-a-Wish Idaho, the School District 25 Education Foundation and United Way of Southeast Idaho.

The Festival, which ran November 15 - 18 at the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center, started with the Grand Holiday Gala. This event is attended mainly by business and community members who sponsored elements of and events at the Festival. This year’s Make-AWish recipient Harper Walker was also in attendance with her parents. Harper made a speech during the Gala about her journey battling Ewing Osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, and how excited she is to be going on her Make-A-Wish trip with her family to Hawaii.

“It was so moving to hear Harper’s story of strength and perseverance through her battle with bone cancer,” said Festival Director

Suzette Porter. “It’s amazing to have the College of Business be a part of such a heartwarming event that brings the community together to help one another.”

In addition to the Grand Holiday Gala, the Festival also included Breakfast with Santa, two Children’s Royal Tea Parties, music, crafts, and a Gingerbread Competition. The People’s Choice winners of the Gingerbread Competition, Kayla and Becky, received $1,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice.

“The Festival as well as all of the events and prizes wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful sponsors,” said Suzette. “Thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers and committee members who make this event successful.”

Interested in learning about sponsor and donor opportunities for this year’s event? Email Suzette at suzetteporter@isu.edu.