Down Syndrome Organization to benefit from Festival of Trees & Lights

The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada is set to light up the valley with all that glitters.

The 26th annual Festival of Trees & Lights is planned for Nov. 19-21 at the South Point, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

“The event used to be a week long, but over the years, it was cut down to a one-night gala,” said Deann Cline, director of fund development. “Last year was the 25th festival, so we honored that milestone by bringing it back to the public. We held the public viewing for a couple days, and it ended being extremely successful.”

Tree, wreath and basket displays, crafts, raffles, live entertainment, cupcake decorating, gift shops and Santa Claus visits are scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20.

Themes for the trees are scheduled to include Mardi Gras, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” girls’ night out, “Frozen” and Hot Wheels, according to Cline.

A gala is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 21 and is set to include entertainment, auctions and food.

“We’ll have more than 30 trees on display throughout the three-day event,” Cline said. “We’ll have about two or three up for live auction, and the rest will be up for silent auction at the gala.”

Last year’s festival drew about 1,000 people and raised around $200,000 for the organization, which supported its operations, programs and therapies.

All the money stays here in Southern Nevada,” said board chair Sue Covey. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year because we’re not recipients of any state or federal funding.”

The organization plans to honor Joey, Karen and Nick Calarco with an Inspirational Award for their volunteerism; Brad and Robyn Englert of Ideal Supply and Ginda and Hoot Jones of Ralph Jones Display with Community Impact and Community Care awards for their support; and David Abraham with a Volunteer of the Year Award for his service on the DSOSN board.

Founded in 1987, the nonprofit was created by a handful of local families who bonded over having children diagnosed with the syndrome.

DSOSN supports about 135 families by providing speech, music, dance, occupational and physical therapies. Programs include The Cool 21s, a social club for ages 17 or older, and a new parent program that provides resources to parents of newborns diagnosed with the syndrome.

“The event creates awareness of the organization to the community as well as the individuals with Down syndrome,” Covey said. “Their goals in life, as well as everyone else, are to be accepted and to live a fulfilling life.”

Admission for the tree display and activities is $6 for ages 12 to 59 and $4 for children 2 to 11 and seniors 60 or older. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.

Tickets to the Nov. 21 gala cost $275 per person or $2,475 for a table of 10.

For more information, visit dsosn.org or call 702-648-1990.

Contact Henderson View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.