{"id":15432,"date":"2025-12-03T00:20:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T07:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/festival-of-wreaths-holiday-fundraiser-enriches-lives-of-people-with-disabilities\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T21:48:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T03:48:05","slug":"festival-of-wreaths-holiday-fundraiser-enriches-lives-of-people-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/festival-of-wreaths-holiday-fundraiser-enriches-lives-of-people-with-disabilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Festival of Wreaths holiday fundraiser enriches lives of people with disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The
The annual Festival of Wreaths fundraiser is running for nine days at Cortez Chamber of Commerce on Main Street. (Anna Watson\/The Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

The annual Festival of Wreaths runs for nine days at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, bringing holiday cheer to the community.<\/p>\n

The festival is hosted by Our Own Lives, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Montezuma County. The nonprofit partners with Community Connections Inc. of Durango.<\/p>\n

\"Eric
Eric Garcia, one of many Montezuma County recipients of the services provided by Our Own Lives and Community Connections Inc. Garcia was present Friday for the opening day the Festival of Wreaths, a Christmas fundraiser put on by Our Own Lives and Community Connections. Garcia wrote a letter to Santa.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Bids on local business-sponsored wreaths and gift baskets aim to meet a $20,000 goal to fund activities for residents served by the nonprofit.<\/p>\n

The event is in its sixth year and is the group\u2019s primary fundraiser, said Rynetta Smith, residential program assistant for Our Own Lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur main goal with these individuals is to make them as independent as possible,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n

Money raised supports activities including art classes, basketball, swimming, bowling, Special Olympics and social gatherings.<\/p>\n

Previously, wreaths were displayed in downtown businesses, Smith said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year we decided to try something a little bit new and do it in one centralized location where we have all of our sponsors\u2019 wreaths. Our community can come in, families can come in, enjoy a little bit of Christmas music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Wreath
Wreath made to look like a horse, sponsored by First National Bank. (Anna Watson\/The Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

In addition to wreath and basket bidding, the nine-day event includes a Christmas story reading, carol singing and a visit from Santa Claus.<\/p>\n

The festival\u2019s nine days are scheduled as follows:<\/p>\n

Friday to Saturday, Nov. 28-30: Open 12-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1: Open 4-8 p.m., with <\/strong>Storytime 6-7 p.m.Tuesday, Dec. 2: Open 4-8 p.m., with Caroling 5-7 p.m.Wednesday, Dec. 3: Open 4-8 p.m., with meet-and-greet with Santa from 5:30-7:30 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 4: Open 4-8 p.m., with caroling 5-7 p.m.Friday, Dec. 5: Open 4-8 p.m., with Storytime from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 6: Open 12-8 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 7: Open 12-5 p.m.<\/div>\n

The wreaths are the main attraction, sponsored by businesses including First Southwest Bank, Keesee Motors and Notah Dineh Trading. A gallery-like display reveals flowers, teapots, gift cards and dream catchers nestled into the evergreens.<\/p>\n

\"A
A wreath by Flatbelly Organics on Main Street features a bright red teacup, loose-leaf tea, gingerbread, a bee candle and more. (Anna Watson\/The Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

Four themed gift baskets are also up for bid: family fun night, backyard barbecue, tea and coffee, and beer and wine, Smith said.<\/p>\n

Cynthia Sadler, a former secretary of the board of Our Own Lives, said a partnership with Cortez Retail Enhancement helped the event grow from 20 wreaths in its first year to 60 last year.<\/p>\n

Sadler said bringing people into the chamber offers a chance to educate visitors about the nonprofit\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

The Durango Festival of Trees & Wreaths is exhibited through Dec. 7 during regular hours at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Museum. The official in-person event is Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, from noon to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

\"A
A close up of gingerbread people at the annual Christmas wreath fundraiser. (Anna Watson\/The Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The
The winter wonderland-themed wreath is by sponsored by Dolores State Bank. (Anna Watson\/The Journal)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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