The Washington County Relay for Life organization is hosting a new Christmas-themed event this year in an effort to raise money for cancer research and treatment. Bob Freeman is the captain of a Relay for Life team in Wellman, and he is organizing a Festival of Trees event at the Ainsworth Opera House from November 17th – 19th. People will be able to view and purchase pre-decorated Christmas trees with all the proceeds benefiting cancer research. Freeman says the trees are coming from fellow Relay for Life teams, and many will have themes. Everything from Iowa and Iowa State trees to colored-themed trees will be available for purchase. Freeman adds, “We have some very talented people in this area, and to get them to use their talents to fundraise is fun for me. I enjoy that.”

Freeman is being aided with the event by Ed Rustioni, the American Cancer Society’s Community Manager for Washington County. Rustioni feels doing events such as the Festival of Trees are a good way to keep Relay for Life on people’s minds throughout the year. He believes it’s important to have a presence in the community on a year-round basis, as opposed to just being one day in the summer. He also thinks diversifying events is a good idea, because it can attract people to events that might not be as familiar with their organization. The Festival of Trees begins with early bird shopping on Thursday, November 17th, where people can spend $10 to get first choice of the trees and wreaths. Friday and Saturday will cost $5. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday. For more information, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Freeman and Rustioni at KCIIRadio.com.