Collinsville Middle School Tree
Collinsville Middle and Dorris Intermediate Schools showed holiday spirit and generosity by decorating trees for the 2017 Festival of Trees fundraising event at Gateway Center.
Proceeds from the 24th Annual Festival of Trees benefit Collinsville Masonic Lodge #712 and 712 Charity which established a new scholarship fund for CUSD 10 graduating seniors in “vocational and academic areas” who reside and attend school in Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.
Each year through the Festival of Trees, the Gateway Center’s board of directors provides an opportunity for local not-for-profit organizations to raise funds for ongoing and new community-based projects.
Dorris Intermediate School Tree
According to the 2017 Festival of Trees, “The beneficiaries of the 2017 Festival of Trees are Collinsville Masonic Lodge #712 and 712 Charity, Inc. Collinsville Masonic Lodge is one of the oldest organizations in our community. For many years [they] have worked behind the scenes to assist youth of our area with [the] core Masonic principal ‘in search of More Light.’ 712 Charity, Inc., an organization made up of members of Collinsville Masonic Lodge and friends of Freemasonry everywhere, is a group dedicated to the common virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity for all.”
The sold out event featured trees, wreaths and tablescapes sponsored and decorated by local businesses, patrons and organizations. Attendees enjoyed beverages, hor d’oeuvres and entertainment as they bid on the opportunity to take home the holiday decorations.
Collinsville Middle School created a tree with the theme was “Scrooge Brings Christmas Dinner and Cheer” that included a certificate for a turkey dinner as well as gifts for family fun. Dorris Intermediate School made a “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” tree filled with Santa themed items.
The event program stated, “We have the FAITH to accomplish our goals of providing HOPE to the youth of our community as they accept the CHARITY of our scholarship to continue their education beyond high school.”