Festival of Trees

The College of Business, in conjunction with Presenting Sponsor Lookout Credit Union, partnered for the third year to host a local holiday favorite – the Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees 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 Idaho State University Scholarships, Make-aWish Idaho, the School District 25 Education Foundation and Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency Meals on Wheels.

The Festival, which ran November 20-23 at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, started with the Grand Holiday Gala. This year’s MakeA-Wish recipient Crew was also in attendance with several family members. Crew and his family spoke during the Gala about his journey battling leukemia, and how excited he was for his wish to come true - running down the tunnel with the Dallas Cowboys.

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, the Chacons, received $1,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice - the Idaho Food Bank.

“The support we receive through this event, whether it be through sponsorships, tree donation, or volunteerism, truly changes and saves lives,” said Festival Director Suzette Porter. “Supporting the Festival of Trees helps those in need in our schools and throughout the community.”