Behind the Scenes of Treeview and Festival of Trees

By Cynthia Rosenfeld
Hingham Mothers' Club

Hingham Mothers' Club will host the on December 7^th and 8th! The trees are trimmed, the amazing live auction items are set and the Spirits of the Season cocktails are ready to flow. But before we delight in the sequins, sparkle, glitter and glitz, let's take a moment to think about the purpose of Festival of Trees and Treeview.

Who Will Benefit?

Hingham Mothers’ Club, in partnership with Hingham Newcomers' Club, is honored to be assisting Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore as they work to improve the lives of the homeless families in our community. Proceeds from both the Treeview cocktail party and Festival of Trees will go to help this esteemed charity.

Since 1984, Friends of the Homeless, started out of the North Street Community Chapel in Hingham, has served homeless families by providing food, clothing, furniture, shelter and advocacy.  They address a range of needs from physical to emotional, personal to social and psychological to spiritual.  Their specific goals are to help build stronger individuals and families, secure education and employment opportunities, find safe and affordable permanent housing and enable their clients to work toward functional self-sufficiency and spiritual formation. Along the way, they have created such familiar programs as the Hingham Faith Food Pantry, the Weymouth Furniture Bank, an annual Christmas Party at Old Ship Church in Hingham and Christmas Gifting for all of the families in Shelters and Hotels across the South Shore .  Over the years Friends of the Homeless have sheltered hundreds of families.  Currently, they provide shelter for up to 25 families every night, with shelters located in Hingham , Cohasset, Weymouth and Norwell.

The Claddagh Fund will also receive a portion of the proceeds from Treeview and Festival of Trees. The Fund was founded in 2009 by Ken Casey, Hingham resident, of the Dropkick Murphys.  Honoring the three attributes of the Claddagh Ring, Friendship, Love and Loyalty, the mission of the Claddagh Fund is to raise money for the most underfunded non-profit organizations that support vulnerable populations in our communities.

The Claddagh Fund focuses on supporting child and youth-based non-profits, targeting organizations that support cancer research,  youth sports, clubs and camps.  Organizations which provide opportunity to vulnerable and disenfranchised youth populations, providing the background, education and outlets necessary for children to develop into successful, considerate adults are at the heart of the fund. The Fund also turns their attention to veterans organizations, and programs that support alcohol and drug rehabilitation in cities across the country and around the world.  

The Festival of Trees and Treeview Committee

Meet the Treeview and Festival of Trees committee members as they share why it is important to them participate in these events.

Sara Abbott, Chairperson, Treeview: "Being part of Festival of Trees and the Mothers' Club has introduced me to some incredibly amazing women in town. Not only has it been a fun way to make friends, but it has provided me an opportunity to give back to the community I now call home."
 
Sarah Ellis, Chairperson, Festival of Trees: "I am excited to be a part of this year's 10th Annual Festival of Trees celebration because this event is a great opportunity to get to know the people and businesses in town, and at the same time give back to very deserving local charities."
 
Alison Fabella, VP, HMC: "I am so thrilled to play a part in the planning of this magical event.  During the holidays, there is nothing better  then donating your time to an event that helps those who truly need it."

Eleia Haywood: "I am excited to experience my first Festival of Trees, and Treeview, in Hingham this year! It is exciting to be a part of a fun event that brings the community together for a good cause!"

Liz Klein, President, HMC: "I love being part of this Hingham tradition.  Festival of Trees has been a fun, family event for thousands across the South Shore for a decade.  Treeview is such a joyous way to kick off my favorite time of year, while drastically increasing the funds raised for those less fortunate in our community."
 
Sarah Lucey: "I became involved with planning Treeview and Festival of Trees to give back to the local community. I can't think of a better way to help others than through such a tremendous event." 

Rebecca Nidositko: "Treeview is a fun way to support important community charities, see old friends, and meet new friends--I can't wait for this year's party!"

Vanessa O’Leary: Treeview is such an amazing event, and I am motivated to give my time and efforts in planning it to make this holiday season a memorable one for under privileged children living in shelters during this festive time of year.  As the Event Chair for the Friends of the Homeless Children’s Party,  I am cross promoting our upcoming event at Treeview to get us those extra dollars needed to provide gifts to families affected by homelessness.

Kerry Riordan: " Last year's events were a tremendous success, and this year, Festival of Trees and Treeview: The Sequel are going to be incredible.  The journey up the red carpet is only the beginning and the money raised is for such wonderful charities.  It's going to be an exciting night!"
 
Cheryl Russo:  "Treeview and Festival of Trees are  fun and festive ways to be charitable, celebrate the season and get to know a great bunch of folks in Hingham."
 
Caroline Widman: "Bringing a smile to those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season, makes it all worthwhile." 
 
Leslie Wittmann: "I'm participating in Festival of Trees and Treeview  to help raise funds for our awesome charities, and to show my young boys the importance of charity work and helping those less fortunate than us. I'm also excited to be meeting more people in the community, including the merchants in our town, and the women on our committee!"

For more information on Festival of Trees and Treeview, or to see the Treeview movie trailer, visit www.treeview.org.