For the past 24 years, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County Inc. (UCPN) has been holding their annual event, Festival of Trees. Every year, they have hundreds of volunteers step forward to spend their Thanksgiving weekend with the loving and caring employees, students, and patrons of the event. At this time, everyone comes together for one common goal, to raise money for a great cause while having some fun. Of the donations that are raised during the Festival of Trees, approximately ninety cents of every dollar goes towards equipment and other means that will facilitate treatment and rehabilitation in their facility. This equipment and donations will ultimately help better the lives of these children and adults living with Cerebral Palsy.

Every year at the event, with this year being no exception, they have continuous entertainment, designer decorated trees, vendor marketing, kids activities and so much more; even Santa stops by to say hello! Come join in the fun while supporting a great cause. To join in the excitement, visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum for Italian Fest Friday on Friday, November 28 from 10:00 am – 6:00pm, Star Wars Saturday on Saturday, November 29 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm or Margaretville Sunday with the Parrot Head Band on Sunday, November 30 from 10:00 am – 5:oo pm. To learn more about this event or other ways to support this great cause, visit http://www.ucpn.org/index.php

As in the past, the Theresa Foundation is sponsoring a tree for the Festival.  The Theresa Foundation was established in memory of Vincent and Susan Russo’s daughter, Theresa. The Theresa Academy of Performing Arts (part of the Theresa Foundation) provides music, dance, art and drama classes for children with special needs. There is an afterschool program and Saturday respite program, not to mention Sunday workshops and Camp.  Please visit the Theresa Foundation tree and better yet, vote for the tree as best in show.

By Marissa Kleiner– Guest Blogger