Festival of Trees 2025
A holiday gala to support hope, healing, and lasting impact.
Join us for an elegant evening of seasonal beauty and community giving.
The night features stunning holiday trees decorated by local businesses and community groups, festive food and drink, and both silent and live auctions—all benefiting the vital child advocacy and support services provided by KARE.
Thursday, November 20, 2025
York Dining Commons at Lake Junaluska
Tickets available in September – check back soon!
About the Festival of Trees Gala
The Festival of Trees Gala is KARE’s signature fundraising event. This cherished, annual tradition brings our community together to celebrate the season of giving and make a difference in the lives of children and families in Haywood County.
This elegant evening features:
- A Showcase of Creativity –
Admire and bid on trees uniquely designed and decorated by local artists, businesses, and community groups. - Delicious Dinner and Festive Drinks – Share a meal with fellow supporters and make some new friends.
- Silent and Live Auctions – Bid on unique and curated items, baskets, experiences, and more!
- Raffles & Giveaways –
Participate in exciting raffles for a chance to win fabulous prizes. - Captivating Entertainment – Enjoy live music and performances.
This Year’s Event:
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 6:00 PM
Location: York Dining Commons at Lake Junaluska
Your Impact
In 2024, the Festival of Trees raised more than $80,000—our most successful year yet!
Every dollar helped KARE provide critical advocacy, education, and support to children and families in Haywood County.
This year, we’re aiming even higher—and we need your help to make it happen.
Below, you’ll find ways to get involved with KARE’s 2025 Festival of Trees!
Ways to Support Our Mission
Decorate a Tree
Let your creativity shine by decorating a tree to impress gala guests and judges alike. These stunning trees will be auctioned off during the event, adding festive charm to someone's home—and helping fund KARE’s advocacy, support, training, and resource programs. Click photo for more info and to sign up!
Donate
We're seeking auction items, gift baskets, experiences, and raffle prizes for this year’s Festival. Whether you're contributing a product, service, or monetary gift, your support makes a real difference for children and families in our community.
Volunteer
We're looking for volunteers to support us in the weeks leading up to the event and on the big night itself. Whether you're helping gather auction items, prep décor, assist with setup, or lend a hand after the event, your time and energy make a real difference. To find the right opportunity for you, call us at 828-456-8995 or email Lauren at LLanoue@karehouse.org
Moments from Last Year's Festival
Take a look at some of the magic from our 2024 Festival of Trees Gala. From dazzling trees to joyful bids and elegant table-scapes, the night was unforgettable—not just for what was raised, but for the joy and connection we shared. In the final weeks of preparation, our community was navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. And yet—people showed up. With generosity, heart, and hope. The gala became a celebration of resilience and the power of coming together, even in hard times.
Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors
Crystal Presenting Sponsors
Holly Sponsors
Mountain Asphalt Repair
Custom Paving
WCD Demo & Construction
Halls Building & Rentals
Tinsel
Evergreen Foundation
Pamela Penny Williams Real Estate
Paddle Sponsor
Valley Precast
Star
Ryse Construction
Ken Hall Knives
Bishop Financial
Mountain View Housing
Hometrust Bank
Mistletoe
Epsilon Tech
Cook’s Carpets
Champion Credit Union
Women of Waynesville
Haywood Regional Hospital
New Covenant Church
