GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/7/22

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES PRESENTED BY ATLANTA GAS LIGHT KICKS OFF
CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTA WITH PREMIER HOLIDAY EVENT


Atlanta Nonprofit Hosts Eight-Day Festival At Georgia World Congress Center With Forest Of
Holiday Trees For Auction, Live Entertainment And More


Georgia Festival of Trees presented by Atlanta Gas Light will kick off the holiday season with an eight-day festival Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 27 at the Georgia World Congress Center that features a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction, live music and entertainment, a gingerbread contest, Christmas brick challenge, kids’ activities and games, boutique gift shops, food carts and more.


As one of the first holiday events of the season in Atlanta, proceeds from the event and holiday tree sales will benefit Wellspring Living, a local nonprofit organization that supports and serves survivors of human trafficking in metro Atlanta. The festival remains true to its aim to strengthen the community through charitable engagement and holiday spirit. Georgia Festival of Trees

President and CEO Angie Ulibarri says she is thrilled for the exciting new additions to this year’s festival. “It’s an honor to officially kick off the Christmas season in Atlanta through the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Ulibarri. “We want this event to unify the community, spread joy and light, and continue to be a memorable experience for families in Atlanta, which is why we’ve added a few new experiences this year. The Christmas brick challenge and gingerbread contest are just two more ways families can connect with each other at the Georgia Festival of Trees while celebrating the season and giving back to those in need.”


Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations in metro Atlanta, providing a variety of options for those looking to take home holiday decor. Small trees five feet or less can be picked up at the festival on Nov. 27 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Nov. 28 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Large trees six feet or higher will be delivered and set up at the buyer’s home or office on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.

This year’s Georgia Festival of Trees presenting sponsor is Atlanta Gas Light who provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas delivery service to approximately 1.7 million customers in Georgia. “Atlanta Gas Light is proud to partner with Georgia Festival of Trees to support the critical mission of Wellspring Living for the second consecutive year,” said Atlanta Gas Light President and CEO Pedro Cherry. “Because of the nature of our business, our employees are in a unique position to help identify suspected human trafficking and assist authorities. This event allows us to help spread holiday cheer while fueling change in the communities we serve.”


Wellspring Living provides specialized recovery services for domestic sex trafficking survivors and those at risk through residential and community-based programs. These programs provide therapeutic services, life training skills, professional development and other resources to provide a path to a successful life. “There is no cookie cutter example of trafficking or exploitation since each individual we serve has their own story and a unique set of needs,” said Mary Frances Bowley, executive director of Wellspring Living. “It’s our focus to meet survivors where they are and create a safe place for
them to heal and thrive.”

Georgia Festival of Trees is sponsored by Atlanta Gas Light, Elavon, Amerimed, Well Care, Ambetter Health, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, doTERRA and many more. Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $12.95 for children ages 4-12 and $17.95 for adults. The Georgia

World Congress Center is located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. Northwest, Atlanta, Ga. 30313.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees visit gafestivaloftrees.org.