FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Local businesses, community partners and charities came together for the 2nd annual HANDY'S Festival of Trees, raising more than $10,000. 24 uniquely adorned trees, donated by Hayes Farms, were decorated to be auctioned off to the highest bidders.
"We are thrilled with the success of this year's event, which brought together several local businesses and community organizations to raise money for a variety of important causes," said Beth Bryant, director of development for HANDY. "The proceeds raised will enable HANDY to embrace, educate and empower vulnerable youth, as well as support our charity partners' missions."
Attendees of the holiday-inspired reception enjoyed complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, musical entertainment and a silent auction. The highlight of this community effort was the enjoyment of viewing the beautifully decorated 7 - 8' trees.
A panel of esteemed judges, including Stacy Ostrau, publisher of Society Scene, Sheriff Scott Israel of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Kelly Blanco, traffic reporter at WTVJ (NBC6) and Mark Corbett, associate publisher at Gold Coast Magazine, selected “O Claus-enbaum” presented by Young Professionals for Covenant House as one of the winning treesA panel of esteemed judges, including Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Mark Corbett, associate publisher at Gold Coast Magazine, Stacy Ostrau, publisher of Society Scene, Sheriff Scott Israel of the Broward Sheriff's Office and Kelly Blanco, traffic reporter at WTVJ (NBC6), selected "O Claus-enbaum" presented by Young Professionals for Covenant House and "All That Glitters" presented by Kids In Distress as the joint winners of a $1,000 donation.
Other participating not-for-profit organizations included Bonnet House Alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (DeGeorge), Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre, Fort Lauderdale Woman's Club, Island Paws Rescue, The Pantry of Broward, Voices for Children of Broward benefiting Florida Guardian ad Litem and United Way of Broward County | Mission United.
HANDY'S Festival of Trees was sponsored in part by A Slice of Art, American Society of Interior Designers, Broward Sheriff's Office, Community Bank of Broward, Christmas Couture, Florida Atlantic University, Gold Coast Magazine, Goodman Public Relations, GrayRobinson, P.A., Havana Coffee and Tea, Hayes Farms, J. Alexander's, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Macy's, Marsha and Alan Levy, McCormick Distilling, Moss Construction, New River Child Care Learning Center, OK Generators, Resolve Marine Group, Royalty Catering, Tom Mitchell of TM Designs and The Wildgoose Family.
