Welcome to the 28th Annual Saratoga Festival of Trees
{From the 2023 Christmas Newsprint Magazine}
Photos by Super Source Media Studio (unless noted)
Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe another year has passed and we are quickly approaching the 28th annual Festival of Trees. We are excited to once again present all the wonderful activities this magical holiday event has to offer.
The Preview Reception on opening night will showcase the usual display of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and centerpieces.
The Family Day Activities on Saturday will offer two Breakfasts with Santa followed by one seating of Sundaes with Santa. Children attending can participate in the crafting activities as well. The Holiday Store and raffle items will also be available. We are delighted to welcome you back to truly celebrate the holiday season together.
The Festival of Trees is the major fundraiser of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Funds raised help to support the crucial services so needed in the tri-county communities in these challenging times. The needs of our neighbors have grown dramatically in recent years and will continue to do so in the future. The current state of funding for human services presents enormous challenges to providers and the people we are privileged to serve. Please know that while you are enjoying this year's Festival of Trees, you are simultaneously helping the most vulnerable among us.
Thank you in advance for supporting the mission of Catholic Charities and the Festival of Trees.
Now more than ever our communities need us — and we need you!
Sister Charla Commins, Executive Director
Earline Johnson and Bruce O’Connell, Event Chairs
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, November 29 6 – 8 p.m.
Preview Reception: $75 each, under 35, $60. Call 518-587-5000
Thursday, November 30 4 – 9 p.m.
Friday, December 1 3 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 2 11 – 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 3 11 - 2 p.m.
(above) Photo by Scott Bergmann Photography
Programs & Services Offered by Catholic Charities
Each year Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties serves over 3,000 people in the tri-county region through the following programs.
Counseling
Individual, couple and family counseling - Intake, assessment and treatment of a range of individual and interpersonal issues provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
Domestic Violence Project of Warren & Washington Counties
Full range of services to victims of domestic violence and their children
Mary's Haven
A community home for the dying serving persons with irreversible illness who no longer can remain safely in their homes. Holistic hospice care is provided to address the resident's physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs.
Saratoga Mentoring program
Prevention/diversion program impacting youth's academic, social and emotional milieu. Mentors commit to a minimum of two hours a week with their mentee. Family support services are also available.
Nutrition Outreach Education Program (NOEP)
Serving Warren and Washington Counties, assisting families to apply for SNAP (formerly food stamps), recertification, advocacy with DSS and outreach. Public presentations are available.
Emergency Services
Assistance with concrete basic needs (food, rent, medication, automobile expenses, etc.) where needed and feasible.
Programs and services are available to anyone in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, always accompanied by information, referral and advocacy as needed. Individuals are never refused services because of their inability to pay.
Administrative Offices:
142 Regent Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-5000
North County:
35 Broad Street
Glens Falls, NY 12801
518-793-6212
2023 Festival of Trees Board of Directors
President
Jim Norton
Vice President
Kim Pacheco
Treasurer
Paul von Schenk
Secretary
Pam Stiansen
Board Members
Susan Cortes
Fran Dingeman
Earline Johnson
Christin Mason
Bruce O'Connell
Peter Quinlan
Carol Raike
Honorary Committee
Mary Bonner
Diana M. Burke
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
Rev. Thomas Chevalier
Linda and Vince Colonno
Tim and Susan Cortes
Fran Dingeman
Sharon and Stan Drosky
Anita Dunn
Claudette M. Farchione
Nancy and Michael Ingersoll
Earline Johnson
Mara King
Chris and Christin Mason
Ralph Musella & Kathy Blazo
Michael and Kate Naughton
Anne Marthy Noonan
Jim and Alison Norton
Madge and Bruce O'Connell
Kim and Keith Pacheco
Kathleen Phelps
Michele and Mark Phillips
Jennifer and Peter Quinlan
Anne Seton Quinn
Norma Quinn
Tracy A. Quinn
Carol and Larry Raike
Kristie and Tom Roohan
Sisters of St. Joseph
Linda and Michael Toohey
Anne and John Wagner