{"id":37067,"date":"2022-11-29T20:10:38","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T03:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/festivals-of-wreaths-and-trees-benefit-disabled-people\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T02:35:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:35:27","slug":"festivals-of-wreaths-and-trees-benefit-disabled-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/festivals-of-wreaths-and-trees-benefit-disabled-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Festivals of wreaths and trees benefit disabled people"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Community
Community Connections is hosting tree and wreath events in Durango and Cortez as a fundraiser. (Courtesy photo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Community Connections\u2019 19th annual Festival of Trees and third annual Festival of Wreaths are underway, with proceeds going to benefit people with disabilities in Southwest Colorado.<\/p>\n

Last week, Community Connections invited the Cortez community to kick off the holiday season in style by hanging holiday wreaths.<\/p>\n

More than 45 wreaths were put up for display Nov. 21 through Dec. 4 lighting up shop windows in downtown Cortez and other Montezuma County communities.<\/p>\n

The event features a scavenger hunt, with the opportunity to win a share of $1,000 in Cortez Cash Cards from the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association.<\/p>\n

The more wreaths you find the greater your chances of winning. Participants can play with a paper passport or digitally on their phones. Visit Trees22. GiveSmart.com<\/a> for details on how to play.<\/p>\n

\"A
A wreath scavenger hunt is going on in Cortez as part of a fundraiser for Community Connections. (Courtesy photo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Rodney
Rodney Guggenheim, Kacie Timmerman, and Cynthia Salder form Community Connections in Cortez hung wreaths at local businesses as part of the Festival of Wreaths fundraiser last year. (Jim Mimiaga\/The Journal)<\/span>Jim Mimiaga\/The Journal<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

\u201cWe wanted to make the wreath event more interactive for the community this year. Bring in some holiday spirit by taking a tour of the wreaths. They are beautifully and creatively decorated,\u201d said organizer Cynthia Sadler.<\/p>\n

In Durango, the 19th Annual Festival of Trees offers free and family-friendly fun this weekend.<\/p>\n

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad\u2019s Train Museum will be open noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2-4. Community members are invited to tour a magical winter wonderland of more than 30 trees and wreaths.<\/p>\n

Bid on all the festive creations from both communities and vote for your favorites in an online silent auction at Trees22. GiveSmart.com<\/a>. The auction starts at noon Dec. 2 and ends at 5 p.m. on Dec. 4. Items are now live for viewing on the auction website. To get a sneak peek and register in advance visit Trees22. GiveSmart.com or text Trees22 to 76278.<\/p>\n

Virtual event<\/div>\n

A virtual online auction Dec. 2-4 lets you participate from the comfort of your own home. The online event will feature a chance to bid on over 60 trees and wreaths, creative gifts and festive decorations from both communities.<\/p>\n

To learn more visit Trees22. GiveSmart.com<\/a> or email festivaloftrees@cci-colorado.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward Community Connection programs and services that assist youths and adults with mental and developmental disabilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur mission to create opportunities four our clients to have fulfilling lives in the community,\u201d Sadler said.<\/p>\n

Activities and education are offered, and as well as volunteer and job programs, including at local businesses.<\/p>\n

Client costs for Community Connections services are paid in full by Medicaid. The revenue pays for 80% of the agency\u2019s programs, so fundraisers are needed to cover the annual shortfall, Sadler said.<\/p>\n

jmimiaga@the-journal.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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