Festival of Trees draws community support, raises funds for local nonprofits

Whidbey Island's Festival of Trees returned the first weekend of December with a full slate of events at the Elk's Lodge in Oak Harbor. Organizers staged a gala auction on December 5, alongside family focused activities including two seatings for the Teddy Bear Breakfast that offered entertainment and photos with Santa, an afternoon tea, and an open house that welcomed visitors to view decorated trees and community displays.

The event benefited two Island County nonprofits, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County and Citizens Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse. Proceeds from the gala auction and ticketed activities supported youth mentoring programs and local survivor services, sustaining programs that rely heavily on community fundraising and volunteer capacity. For nonprofits operating on tight budgets and seasonal giving cycles, the Festival of Trees functions as a predictable source of both funds and public visibility.

Attendance at the breakfast and tea created opportunities for families to engage directly with local volunteers and nonprofit staff. The two Teddy Bear Breakfast seatings allowed organizers to stagger crowds while maintaining family oriented programming that included live entertainment and Santa photos. The afternoon tea and open house drew a different audience, including older residents and community donors, and reinforced connections between local civic groups and philanthropic supporters.

Beyond immediate fundraising, the Festival of Trees served as a civic touchpoint that encouraged residents to learn about mentoring opportunities and local domestic violence resources. Events like this also provide practical support to service providers by recruiting volunteers, building donor relationships, and increasing awareness of program needs ahead of the new year.

Organizers said the annual timing in early December helps concentrate community giving before holidays and leverages volunteer availability. As Island County moves into 2026, the partnerships and funds generated at the Festival of Trees will be critical to sustaining mentoring matches and survivor services that affect residents across the islands.