The Summit Charter School Foundation, a 501c (3) that raises vital funds to support Summit Charter School, announced the dates of its 2022 Cashiers Festival of Trees events, with McKee Properties serving as the Presenting Sponsor.
Cashiers Festival of Trees – November 25-26, 2022
Cashiers Festival of Trees is a two-day, family-friendly event during Thanksgiving weekend. Guests get in the holiday spirit by viewing and bidding on decorated Christmas trees and holiday décor.
Last year’s Cashiers Festival of Trees at the Summit Center.
The event features 4-9 foot artificial trees, tabletop trees, wreaths, and gift baskets, many paired with exciting auction experiences.
Holiday décor, Christmas trees, and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Guests enjoy entertainment throughout, crafts for children, a Build-a- Bear Pop Up made possible by Design South Builders, a Dolly Parton Imagination Library literacy stage celebrating the world of books, retail shopping, a golf cart raffle courtesy of Appalachian Golf Cars, and more magical fun.
Cashiers Festival of Trees will take place at the Summit Center (370 Mitten Lane), the athletics and fine arts facility at Summit Charter School. A VIP Breakfast with Santa & Friends is scheduled for the morning of Saturday the 26th with the menu by Chef Andrew Barlow and Chef Alexis Smith with The Club at High Hampton.
Having breakfast with Santa at last year’s Cashiers Festival of Trees.
For those who cannot make the Festival in-person, there is a virtual component.
“As a seasonal community, the virtual offering of the Festival makes it easy for us to involve people away for the holidays. Last year, we received 942 online bids, sold all 90 auction lots, and welcomed 1,000 in- person guests. There are many ways to get involved, near and far,” said Sarah Chapin, who for the second year in a row is co-chairing the event with fellow Cashiers resident and Summit Charter School Foundation Board Member, Sarah Jennings.
While raising money for the school is the primary focus of the event, the Summit Charter School Foundation is dedicated to “spreading the holiday spirit of giving” – when a nonprofit decorates a tree, wreath, or gift basket, 80% of the item’s proceeds will go back to the participating nonprofit. This percentage has increased significantly from the inaugural event in 2021.
“Last year, each nonprofit received 20% of their auction item proceeds. This year, we are thrilled to increase the amount to 80%, expanding our impact on worthy causes across the plateau. Supporting our entire community is very important to our cause and the school’s overall mission,” said Jennings.
A sampling of the charities involved include the Camp Merrie-Woode Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, The Bascom, Cashiers Historical Society, The Village Green, and Cashiers Quilters. Some of the businesses involved include Zoller Hardware, Oakleaf, Ingles Markets, Viking, Hasbro, Crawford Construction, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Cashiers Firewood, Cashiers Farmers Market, and McKee Properties.
“We have a lot of surprises in store for year two. Due to demand from our guests that attended last year, we are significantly expanding our retail offerings in the Gift Zone. We hope you mark your calendar for the events and join us. Simply tour the winter wonderland or have fun shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts while giving back,” said Jennings.
There are various ways to get involved with the Cashiers Festival of Trees.
You can volunteer, become a benefactor or corporate sponsor, donate holiday décor, or submit a tree, wreath, or gift basket for the silent auction. Those interested in joining the festive fun may visit summitschool.org or contact Melissa Hudson at 828-743-5755 and mhudson@summitschool.org.