Hope House prepares Festival of Trees

By Tracy Bell

Published: November 19, 2008

STAFFORD — It’s that time of year again, when many people gather around their Christmas trees to celebrate the season.

Unfortunately, there are others in the immediate area, who not only don’t have Christmas trees, but also do not have homes.

A local group is striving to do something about that.

Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Hope House was established in 1987 to serve homeless women and their children from the City of Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George.  It is a non-profit, transitional facility where families can stay for up to two years. 

After successfully completing the program, six months of case management follow-up and financial assistance are available for families who move to permanent housing.  he Sunshine Day Care Center is utilized by the residents and, when space is available, by low-income families in the community.

This year, the 2008 Festival of Trees will take place. It is the signature fundraising event for Rappahannock Refuge, Inc., more commonly known as Hope House. 
Hope House is dedicated to building upon their programs as well as assuring a safe environment in which their families can learn new skills. Their goal with Festival of Trees is to raise money to help fund these programs as well as keep their families safe.
Festival of Trees to benefit Hope House is changing lives and breaking the cycle of homelessness for women and children in the Fredericksburg area, according to Festival of Trees coordinators. 

Festival of Trees runs this year from Nov. 28 – Dec. 6. The cost to enter is: Adults $7, Seniors $5, Children (ages 2-12) $2.

The event will be held at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center in Celebrate Virginia, located at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg.
There will be a display of more than 130 decorated trees available for silent auction, as well as wreaths, mini trees and a gift boutique.
There will also be fashion shows at a luncheon, an afternoon tea and a children’s breakfast. Volunteers are appreciated, according to festival organziers.
For more information and advanced ticket sales, contact Debbie Bliss at (540) 371-4886 or . More information is available at hopehouseva.org.