Golf Mill Shopping Center and Maine Township Host "Then & Now" Festival of Trees For Charity

Celebrate the holidays and decorate a tree for charity at the 'Then & Now' Festival of Trees to bring cheer to the surrounding communities and aid the less fortunate at this time of year when it is needed most.

The festival, which is scheduled at Golf Mill Shopping Center from Saturday Nov. 20 - Saturday Dec. 4, is seeking 10 non-profit organizations to participate in decorating their own trees in a friendly competition that will be on display. Families, friends and shoppers are invited to vote for their favorite tree between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 by donating non-perishable food items at the Customer Service Center. The tree with the most 'votes' wins.  The winner will receive a $100 Gift Card from Sears Department Store and a commemorative trophy.

The event, which aids the Maine Township Food Pantry, also coincides with Golf Mill Shopping Center's 50th anniversary. The'Then & Now' theme creates a wide spectrum for creativity. Decorations can reflect a significant film from the times or a fashion trend among other options and ideas.

"This is a really fun event that will help stock the Maine Township Food Pantry and feed hungry families in these tough economic times," says Carol Teschky, Maine Township supervisor.  The pantry serves an average of over 200 families per month throughout the year and even more during holiday periods, Teschky notes, but the demand never ends.

The festival kicks off Saturday Nov. 20 with an official tree lighting ceremony and a welcome from Santa, who will arrive in a convertible and parade to the Santa Train Depot. Free hot chocolate from Cinnabon will be provided from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and ornament decorating from 10 a.m. to noon will also be part of the festivities.

The deadline to return the participation form is Friday Oct. 22.  The ten non-profits that are selected to participate will be provided with a fully lit tree to decorate.  A sign featuring the name of the organization will be displayed next to each tree and participating non-profits will be recognized on the Golf Mill website, Facebook and in press releases related to the event. 

To request a participation form, call Regina Verdico at the Golf Mill Management Office 847-699-1070, x 115 or email her at Regina.verdico@golfmill.com.