A variety of trees of all sizes and themes encompassed the Canyon Country Community Center Friday night to kick off Festival of Trees , a weekend-long fundraiser where all proceeds go toward the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley. For 22 years, the Santa Clarita community has gathered for a live auction of the trees, while attendees throughout the weekend can bid, in person or online , for a tabletop tree, gingerbread house or wreath in the silent auction. Friday’s Magic of the Lights Gala entailed a cozy atmosphere with dimmed lights, and began a weekend where members of the community can support the nonprofit while beginning their holiday festivities.
Residents can attend on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.
m., with a $10 entrance fee for adults and $5 for seniors, children and members of the military. Matt Nelson, chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Club, discussed the beauty of bringing back tradition to not only spread holiday joy, but also to share it with the kids throughout the year.
“This is a three-day event. We have community days for the community. The silent auction closes on Sunday at 5 p.
m., and it’s all about supporting our Boys and Girls Club. We have 12 locations throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, have over 700 kids a day, 2,100 kids throughout the year who are a part of the Boys and Girls Club,” Nelson said.
“We provide academic support, sports and recreation, health wellness and an overall second home for the kids.” .
