TORRINGTON – Bidding has finally opened for the Gracie’s Promise Festival of Trees. The yearly fundraising event is orchestrated by the non-profit group to offset the costs of non-medical expenses to assist the families of children with catastrophic illnesses within the community. 

“This year marks the 15th year that this has been taking place. Trees, wreaths and decorations are donated by local businesses and individuals and are placed at 21st and Main this year, for bidding in silent auction style,” Stephanie Marks with the organization explained. Bidding is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 21st and Main and during the business hours of the donors that choose to host their own tree. Bidding is silent auction style.”

According to Marks, placing your bid is easy and can be done by stopping by 21st and Main or any of the other locations with the “Stop Here” sign at the door. To win, you must write down your phone number along with the desired bid. Winners will be selected by highest bid on Friday, December 6.

“We will notify the winners of each of the donations on December 7 and schedule a time to collect their winnings,” Marks explained.

As Marks explained, Gracie’s Promise was founded by a need for community support and one man’s desire to provide that support.

“Gracie’s Promise was started 15 years ago, when a need met a seed. Our founder, Bud

Watson, started Gracie’s Promise after witnessing the struggles his own grandchildren dealt with when their young daughter Gracie was diagnosed with leukemia as an infant, thus, the name, Gracie’s Promise,” Marks explained. “The expenses of buying gas to travel to appointments, paying for a motel room when you have to travel away from home, and everything else that medical insurance doesn’t pay for. The rest is history and here we are, 15 years later and continuing to help a vast number of kiddos and families.”

According to Marks, the fundraiser wouldn’t be possible without the board of directors who volunteer their free time to keep Gracie’s Promise running. 

“All proceeds of this event and any donation that is made go to help children battling catastrophic illnesses. All monetary donations are tax deductible and can really help make a difference in the lives of a child in a devastating situation,” Marks explained. “We are a volunteer-based organization that depends on our local community to provide support to keep our non-profit alive and thriving. Many of our kiddos are either local to the area or to the state, but we have kiddos all across the county. Gracie’s Promise is a way for the community to help when they may not know how.”

According to Marks, the organization will also accept monetary donations in place of Christmas tree bids.

“Please consider donating to Gracie’s Promise during the holidays. Your donation will help
make life a little easier for a kiddo fighting a battle that could be life threatening. Not sure how to donate, visit our website, www.graciespromise.org and donate with PayPal. You can also send a tax-deductible donation to PO Box 1366, Torrington,” Marks concluded. 

Trees can be found at 21st and Main, the Town Market, Pinnacle Bank, First American Title, Heartland Embroidery, Century Lumber, Burger King, This N’ That, The Flower Shop and Destry’s Secret Garden.