The Tioga Town Center will be decked out in trees and wreaths trimmed in ornaments, ribbons and lights this week.
UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital will host its second Festival of Trees event Thursday through Saturday. Money raised at the event will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, said Sarah Amann, the event’s coordinator.
To fundraise, she said the hospital will hold a silent auction for 10 trees. This year, they will also auction three real wreaths, and all proceeds will go to CMNH.
"There is no other Christmas event that is quite like this one that brings the community together," Amann said. "I just love that this event gives people the opportunity to support our tiniest community members and help them out this holiday season."
The three-day event kicks off with a VIP Preview Party on Thursday, where attendees will get an exclusive opportunity to make the first bids on the trees and wreaths. Cocktail attire is required for the party, which lasts from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $40 per person and can be purchased at the door or online at giving.UFHealth.org/Trees.
The silent auction will last from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Amann said the tree showcase is free to the public, and anyone can donate at the event.
UF biology freshman Aria Nawab said she can’t wait to see the trees.
"It’s really hard to be so far from home during the holiday season, so that will be nice to see," the 18-year-old said.
