BTE ANNOUNCES SEARCH FOR NEW TREEFEST CO-CHAIRS

This year, Mary Clapp will finish her term as chairperson of TreeFest, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble's annual holiday-themed fund raiser. TreeFest couldn't happen without the tireless efforts of dozens of volunteers, led by the TreeFest chairperson(s). As Mary winds up her tenure, she'll spend this holiday season training her replacement(s). BTE is beginning a search for dedicated new leadership for TreeFest. Anyone interested should contact Beth Larson, BTE’s Development Director, at (570) 784-5530 or blarson@bte.org.

“After five years it’s time for me to step aside for new leadership. My decision to resign is due to my doctor’s advice: I’m allergic to the trees! I plan to continue to be involved, just not as chairperson. The experience has been a true delight and it’s been an honor to work with BTE and the wonderful volunteers who’ve made this event happen for over 20 years. TreeFest is much more than a fundraiser for BTE. It brings our whole community together in sharing and caring for our less fortunate neighbors. For example, in addition to the battalion of adult volunteers, more than 200 students from Bloomsburg University, Central Columbia and Bloomsburg High Schools give their time to make TreeFest a success. And there’s nothing more rewarding to all of us who volunteer than to help families carry their tree and bags of gifts out to their cars at event’s end.”

“Since I had just retired from my “real job” in 2005, the timing and fit were right when I took over as TreeFest Chair from Phil Pelletier. We realize most people won’t be able to fulfill the hours alone, therefore we intend to split the Chair role into two roles starting this year. Since this event has been running for so many years, and its volunteers are so dedicated and capable the co-chairs oversee the event as point persons and final decision makers.”

Co-chairs will serve as directors of the event to coordinate volunteers, schedule, and budget to make TreeFest happen. The TreeFest co-chairs report to BTE's Development Director and Board of Trustees of Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and serve for a three to five-year term. TreeFest duties and tasks vary throughout the calendar year, including running monthly committee meetings, with the bulk of the work during Fair Week and the weeks leading up to the event.

TreeFest, now in its 22nd year, begins with area Christmas tree growers who donate over a hundred live trees to be trimmed. Then, hundreds of volunteers set up and decorate the rooms and trees, which are each sponsored by a local business or individual(s). More than 2,000 people take part in preparing the trees for the festival. TreeFest also features local entertainment and vendors. Proceeds from the event benefit Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. TreeFest welcomes about 3000 attendees over its two weekends.

But as many local families can attest, it doesn’t end there. After the event, the trees, complete with decorations and presents, are donated to low-income families in the community. “It’s a great thing TreeFest is doing,” said one of the families that benefited from a live, decorated tree last holiday season. “We’re really thankful for that.”

Those interested in the position of TreeFest co-chair should contact Beth Larson, BTE’s Development Director, at (570) 784-5530 or blarson@bte.org.