Since 1982, TLC Learning Center’s annual Christmas Tree Festival has been a beloved Longmont tradition, attracting more than 600 people during the two-day event. This year, as has been the case for other nonprofits and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, the child care center has gotten creative to ensure the festival can carry on online.
The decision was made to move the event online to help families struggling due to the pandemic this holiday season, and even though the virtual format breaks from tradition, the intent of the festival remains the same and all proceeds will go directly to the nonprofit center.
Among the upsides of moving the fest online are no venue, food or decoration costs and the potential to reach more people via the virtual format.
Donors and small businesses have stepped up to show their support for the center and the festival. Trees, valued at $150 or more, are being displayed both online and at locations around town. They are themed with candy, girls’ and boy’s toys, self-care items, popular electronics, Nuggets, Rockies and Broncos gifts, Longmont business gift cards and more.
Amy French-Troy, development coordinator with TLC said, “Our goal was to get 50 (trees). We have almost 90.”
Typically, space at the festival is limited and people can only see the trees in person when they purchase tickets to the two-day event. This year, 20 Longmont businesses are displaying trees, and others can be viewed online through Dec. 9 in advance of them being awarded to raffle winners during the festival at noon Dec. 12. Trees can be viewed and raffle tickets, which are 10 for $5, can be purchased here.
Although Barbed Wire Books typically tries to participate in literary-based events, owner Kathe Heinecken said she couldn’t pass on the opportunity to show support for this annual fundraiser.
People can stop by Barbed Wire Books to see the essential oils tree donated by The Braly Family Foundation.
“When Amy approached me this year, I decided to help TLC because of the great work they do with children. I hope that someone sees this tree and decides to purchase (raffle tickets for) it to help TLC out this year,” Heinecken said.
At TLC Learning Center, which was founded by a group of parents in the 1950s, therapists work side-by-side with teachers to help students succeed. The center serves students with and without disabilities, which helps children learn the importance of empathy, according to French-Troy.
Children can attend TLC up to age 5, but therapy services are provided to children as old as 12.
TLC provides therapy for approximately 225 children a year, French-Troy said. Therapy and education are $16,000 per child per year and proceeds from the Christmas Tree Festival provide scholarships for tuition and therapy for families who otherwise might not be able to afford services.
Judi Atwood, a former TLC parent said, “It's a place I’ll never forget in my heart. The Tree Festival is an evening of unity. It's not just an auction, it's a time and place to give thanks to the TLC Center.”
The festival’s Wine Pull Event also will happen online. Traditionally, people purchase a mystery bottle of wine while attending the fest; this year 20 participants will pay $150 and will receive a mystery box containing six bottles of wine valued between $10 and $150 each.
Where to view trees in person:
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