Dragon Boat Charleston and Explore Charleston today announced the Second Annual Festival of Trees in support of cancer patients, survivors, and their community of supporters. Starting November 15th, themed Christmas trees and wreaths sponsored by area businesses and philanthropists will adorn the Charleston Visitor Center. The festival runs through January 4th, 2022, and offers the public an opportunity to bid and vote on the trees in a silent-auction format.
Dragon Boat Charleston (DBC) made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel its traditional boat festival and races for a second year due to safety precautions for immune-compromised guests. Last year, Explore Charleston and DBC identified an opportunity to partner and help fill this important fundraising gap for DBC with the Festival of Trees concept. DBC invites groups to adopt trees and wreaths and decorate them with unique themes in honor or in memory of someone who has battled cancer.
“We are so excited to present the Second Annual Festival of Trees in partnership with Explore Charleston,” said Susan Collins, Board Chair of DBC. “Together we are building on the success of our inaugural Festival in 2020, with the addition of more trees, wreaths and a series of workshops. DBC is very thankful for the continued support of our sponsors and the expanded support of the Charleston business community.”
The Second Annual Festival of Trees presented by Dragon Boat Charleston will run daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The Charleston Visitor Center can be found at 375 Meeting Street.
In addition to the festive trees, two workshops will be held in the Camden Room at the Visitor Center:
- Holiday Bow Making and Gift Wrapping on December 7th at noon
- Make the Ordinary Extraordinary with Local floral artist Trish Bender on December 8th at 11 am
Admission is free to tour the trees. Advance ticket purchase is required for the workshops.
Guests can bid or vote on trees and wreaths through an online platform. The web-based auction will close in two phases: Five trees can be sold on December 16th, for someone to enjoy in their home or business this year, pending a minimum required bid. The remaining bids close on January 4th, and those winners will have a tree and ornaments packed up and ready to display for 2022.
Every dollar raised helps DBC in outreach and support of cancer patients, survivors and community supporters.
Visit dragonboatcharleston.org/2021-
