Community Connections Festival of Trees and Wreaths
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view the trees and wreaths?
We have several easy ways to view the trees and wreaths. Check out our virtual tour videos of the trees and wreaths set up at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the wreaths and trees along Main Street in Cortez. 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 a silent auction this year?
It's an easy way to view the trees on an online platform and raise additional needed funds due to the decrease in revenue we have experienced during the current pandemic. Silent auctions are fun and have traditionally generated important revenue for not-for-profit organizations.
How do I bid?
Check out the great video from GiveSmart 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 safety and convenience of your home, you just need to register with your name and address at CCIFOT.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 6th. Text alerts will let you know if you are outbid. Bidders will be responsible for paying immediately upon winning.
What do I get?
The item descriptions should clearly describe what is included. For trees, the tree is not part of the item and lights are only included if specified. In general the trees include the decorations on the tree and any gifts on or surrounding. Wreaths include the entire wreath (usually 32"), the decorations and any gifts listed. The kind of lights (battery-operated or electric) are specified for each in the item description. Please make sure you understand what is included with the item before bidding. We want you to be thrilled with your winning package!
How do I get my winning item?
Winners will be contacted on December 6th and 7th to begin making arrangement for pickup, delivery or shipping of won items. Due to pandemic restrictions, pickup of items at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Community Connections Pine Street house will need to be scheduled with winners. Items may be delivered within the immediate Four Corners Region. Items may be shipped within the United States for a flat rate of $25. If you wish to have your winning items shipped, go to Items>Shipping and Buy Now.
When do I get my winning item?
Community Connections will begin packaging and delivering or shipping items from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad the week of December 7th. Wreaths in Cortez may be picked up or delivered the week of December 14th (unless other arrangements are made at time of contact).
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 12/31/20, your items will be forfeit.
How do I vote?
Our sponsors eagerly await the honor of receiving one of our coveted People's Choice Awards. We hope you'll take a quick moment to vote on your favorites on our Voting Form HERE. Just fill in your answers and hit "submit!"
How do I purchase a raffle ticket?
Our fabulous raffle packages are available to view online and purchase your chance to win until 10 a.m. on Monday, December 14th. Raffle prizes will be mailed at no extra cost to the winners unless there is a special request to pick them up.
How else can I participate in Festival of Trees and Wreaths?
So glad you asked! We hope you'll review our videos with more information about our event and how Community Connections is serving our communities. Several videos were made for you by program participants who wished to share their joy of the season with you. Take a walk along Main Street to view the gorgeous wreaths in Cortez. And next time you need a product or service, consider supporting one of our many sponsors. The generous businesses who sponsored the Festival of Trees and 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@cci-colorado.org for assistance.
How To Bid With GiveSmart from GiveSmart by Community Brands on Vimeo.
