TORRINGTON – The Festival of Trees will be held from December 1 through December 6. 

This is the 15th annual event, where holiday décor such as decorated trees and wreaths are auctioned off for charity. The trees and other items will be on display and available for bidding at local businesses, including the 21st and Main building and other locations in downtown Torrington that have a stop sign on their storefronts.

The auctions serve as a fundraiser for Gracie’s Promise, a local non-profit organization that supports children suffering from catastrophic illnesses. In recent years, Gracie’s Promise has provided financial assistance to children with cancer, traumatic brain injuries, and genetic disorders. 

Many of the families helped by Gracie’s Promise come from rural areas, where an extended hospital stay for their child means additional expenses for housing and travel, in addition to the costs of healthcare. 

Last year, Gracie’s Promise raised approximately $31,000 through fundraising and donations, and just over $24,000 was distributed to families in need. An impressive $0.93 of every dollar raised for Gracie’s Promise goes directly to its mission, a percentage that far exceeds most national non-profits.

To participate in this year’s Festival of Trees, stop by the 21st and Main building, other locations marked with stop signs, follow Gracie’s Promise on Facebook, or visit www.graciespromise.org.