Step into the magical forest of the Ann’s Place Festival of Trees and what do you get? A winter wonderland loaded with holiday gift items and culturally diverse fun-filled activities for all ages. The 22nd Annual Festival of Trees: “Celebrating Traditions,” which will be held at The Summit at Danbury, is a razzle-dazzle spirit raiser that has chosen 2024 as the year to celebrate the customs of local communities with live performances by dancers and musicians from around the globe.
“We are excited to honor the diverse traditions that make our community so special,” says Shannon Cobb, Ann’s Place President & CEO. “The Festival of Trees has always been about bringing people together, and this year we are proud to highlight the cultural richness that defines our local community.”
Ann’s Place is a leading cancer support organization and a quiet dignified partner helping individuals and families with comprehensive services including counseling, support groups, wellness programs, financial assistance, and educational workshops. In short, Ann’s Place offers vital programs that cancer patients and their families need as they travel the journey to healing and survival. The generosity of donors allows Ann’s Place to provide their extensive services free of charge.
Cobb laughs when she says that taking that first step into the Summit in Danbury where the much-loved yearly festival is held can initially be a “sensory overload.” Transformed by 150 beautifully decorated trees created by area artisans, wreaths, table-top arrangements, children’s craft activities, raffles, holiday gift items, and entertainment, the space is abuzz and provides something for everyone.
“Fighting cancer during the holidays stinks. There is no better way to put it,” says Cobb. “Because of the Festival of Trees, Ann’s Place is able to provide counseling, support, and wellness programs to over 150 people…bringing back a little peace and joy into their holidays.”
Ann’s Place was named for a young woman named Ann Olsen who faced her cancer diagnosis with “courage, dignity, and humor.” When she passed away, her husband Ron Olsen provided financial assistance to cancer patients through the Ann Olsen Endowment. Simultaneously, I Can Inc. was founded by Dr. Pat Bragdon and Mary Burke, to create a refuge for cancer patients and their families by offering psychological and emotional services. The two groups eventually merged and today Ann’s Place offers help and hope to individuals and loved ones living with cancer through a host of services aimed at improving quality of life. From 25 group support options to happenings like Mahjong, yoga, memoir writing, meditation, and Tai Chi, the Ann’s Place calendar is as full as a recreation center lineup. Ann’s Place also has professional counselors who walk patients through the overwhelming cancer journey.
“I am always blown away by the generosity of our community at the Ann’s Place Festival of Trees. With the funds raised, we are able to provide free counseling, support, and wellness programs to hundreds of local people facing cancer,” adds Cobb.
The Festival of Trees, the largest annual fundraiser for Ann’s Place, has raised over $4 million since 2003. For more information, please visit https://www.annsplace.org/ •
