Festival of Trees & Wreaths - Frequently Asked Questions

 
How do I view the trees and wreaths?
We have several fun ways to view the trees and wreaths. Visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Museum in downtown Durango, or take a tour of wreaths in downtown Cortez and Montezuma County. You can also see pictures and closeups of all the trees and wreaths in the Items section of this site. There is no charge to explore the trees and wreaths in any of these ways unless you decide to bid.

Why an online silent auction?
It's an easy way for people across our five-county service area to participate and to view the trees on an online platform. Silent auctions are fun and have traditionally generated important revenue for not-for-profit organizations.

How do I bid?
Check out the how-to info below for details on how to bid. The auction is open to everyone 18 years and older. You must be 21 years and older to bid on any alcohol-related auction package. We encourage you to share the link with your friends and family. To participate in the silent auction from the comfort of your own home, you just need to register with your name and address at Trees24.givesmart.com. To register for bidding, you must enter a valid credit card number. You can bid on items throughout the weekend, up until closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 8th. Text alerts will let you know if you are outbid. Bidders will be responsible for paying immediately upon winning. Credit card processing charges will be added automatically. If you need to arrange a different method of payment than a credit card (such as a personal check), please contact us at festivaloftrees@communityconnectionsco.org before the auction closes.

What do I get?
The item descriptions clearly describe what is included. For trees, the tree itself is not part of the item unless otherwise specified. In general, the trees include the decorations on the tree and any gifts on or surrounding. Wreaths include the entire wreath (usually 30"), the decorations, and any gifts listed. Please make sure you understand what is included with the item before bidding. We want you to be thrilled with your winning package!

How and when do I get my winning item?
Winners will be contacted by email on December 8th to sign up for a pickup time or make other arrangements to collect won items. Durango-based winners will pick up at Community Connection's headquarters at 281 Sawyer Drive, Ste. 200 in Bodo Park and Cortez-based winners will pick up at Our Own Lives' Pine Street office in Cortez. Pickup dates for the 2024 event are December 11th and 12th. Items may be shipped within the United States for an additional fee. If you wish to have your winning items shipped, go to Items>Shipping and Buy Now.

We will contact you to schedule a specific pickup time. Other arrangements can be made if you are unavailable on those dates and can be made at time of contact. We will contact you by email to schedule a time.

Payment for shipping must be received prior to the item being shipped. If you have not made arrangements for pickup or shipping of items by 12/31/24 your items will be forfeited.

How do I vote?
Our sponsors eagerly await the honor of receiving one of our coveted People's Choice Awards. If participating in Durango, we'll have voting slips for you to fill out. If voting in Cortez, you can vote on the paper Scavenger Hunt Passport or within the app. Just fill in your answers and hit "submit!"

How else can I participate in Festival of Trees & Wreaths?
So glad you asked! Take a walk in downtown Cortez to view the gorgeous wreaths and participate in the Scavenger Hunt starting at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez. Come to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Museum during the event weekend (December 6th - 8th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day) to experience the winter wonderland. And next time you need a product or service, consider supporting one of our many sponsors. The generous businesses that sponsored the Festival of Trees & Wreaths are committed to creating communities where all people can belong.

I'm having trouble on the site. Who can help?
If you are experiencing technical or other difficulties, please let us know! Our event administrators will be monitoring the event over the weekend, and you can contact us at 970-385-3452 or festivaloftrees@communityconnectionsco.org for assistance.

Who is the beneficiary of this fundraiser?

All proceeds from this event benefit Community Connections and Our Own Lives, and support our efforts to provide essential services to our friends and neighbors with disabilities and advocate for their inclusion and full participation in community life.