Ann's Place Kicks Off 12th Annual "Festival of Trees"

Opening gala kicks off "Festival of Trees"

Ann's Place kicked off their 12th Annual "Festival of Trees" event, which will run through November 23, on Friday night with a star-studded Gala celebration at the Matrix Center, located at 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury.

Party-goers gathered to share the holiday spirit and to recognize long-time supporter and honoree, Paul P. Dinto, who was instrumental to the creation of the new state-of-the-art cancer resource center located at 80 Sawmill Road, Danbury. Highlights of the event included testaments of those who have used the services provided by Ann's Place and those who wanted to thank Mr. Dinto for his unyielding dedication and commitment to the mission of the organization.

Guests enjoyed the first look at the festival's spectacular array of over 150 custom-crafted holiday trees and hundreds of holiday crafts and gifts that filled the space. According to Anthony Zeolla, President and CEO of Ann's Place, and Lori Zezza, Assoc. Director of Events, the trees often represent personal stories that are inspired by loved ones who have a connection to a cancer journey.  They said, "That is why we are all really here: to make those future journeys an easier step, one full of hope and promise." With events like this one, Ann's Place is able to continue provide their many, many support services and resources free of charge to those who need them. Ann's Place helps those living with cancer by letting them create their own path to improving their quality of life. They offer survivor support groups, family groups, counseling, wellness programs, workshops, nutrition support, and bereavement services. 

The festival will run until Sunday, Nov. 23, with the doors of the Matrix Center opening up at 10am until 5pm. The general admission charge is $10 and is payable at the door. Some of the scheduled events include the always popular, "My Friend & Me Tea," for the youngsters and their chaperones, the LEGO Artist Challenge, and of course, the festival that has crafts for sale, auction items and raffles galore. As a tradition, live performers will entertain guests during the entire event to set the mood of the holiday spirit. This event is made possible by the many sponsors, the hardworking volunteers, patrons, designers, entertainers, Festival Committee & Leadership Board, cancer survivors, and you. 

Please stop by and get a jump on your holiday shopping and enjoy the many areas of entertainment.

Pictured here is: (back) Richard Kalriess, John Austin, Bethan Austin, Peggy Marconi, Elaine Cox, George Mulvaney, Rosemary O'Malley, (front) Ridgefield's First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Bonnie Leavy-Mello, Sandy Kalriess and Jean Carbone (Laurel Ridge).

For more information or to support Ann's Place, please call 203-790-6568 or visit www.annsplace.org. HamletHub is a proud media supporter of this event.

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Submitted by Brookfield, CT

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