CAST’s Festival of Trees Returns
The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation (CAST) in Southold holds its fourth annual North Fork Festival of Trees this weekend at Treiber Farm in Peconic.
The event, which will be both live and virtual, includes an auction of trees and wreathes decorated in an array of whimsical and expertly designed styles by local businesses, artists and friends of CAST, a cookie cottage filled with treats, crafts, Christmas trimmings and gifts, along with a large Winter of Wonder silent auction.
The Festival of Trees raises funds for CAST’s mission to support North Fork residents with critical food relief and emergency assistance programs.
Attendees at the Festival of Trees are also invited to bring unwrapped toys for CAST’s annual Holiday Toy Drive for families on the North Fork and Shelter Island.
The Festival of Trees will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trieber Farm is located at 38320 County Road 48 in Peconic. Santa will be on-site from noon to 3 p.m. bot days. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children ages 6+ and free for children five and under.
With the high cost of living combined with an affordable housing crisis and many community members underemployed or unemployed during the winter due to seasonal work, CAST says they “are experiencing a significant increase in demand for food relief and emergency assistance for urgent needs that impact health and safety, including rent, electricity, gas/oil, and medical. CAST is serving nearly 1,300 families on the North Fork and Shelter Island and we expect to provide approximately 400,000 meals in 2023.”
“The Festival of Trees gathers the spirited and compassionate community of the North Fork, while helping our neighbors in need who are faced with ongoing challenges especially during the difficult winter season,” says CAST Executive Director Cathy Demeroto.
Peconic Bay Medical Center – Northwell Health is the presenting sponsor and many local business and community members are participating.
“As a community hospital at heart, we strive to uplift our community, and are proud to sponsor the North Fork Festival of Trees and help support families in need,” said Peconic Bay Medical Center Executive Director Amy Loeb, EdD, MBA, RN. “This incredible event is a great opportunity not only to celebrate the holidays, but also to raise funds that provide essential relief for families who are impacted by increases in the cost of living. We thank CAST for their continued support of our community and for giving us the opportunity to join their cause.”
