Riverside County Welcomes Festival of Trees Fundraiser

From Riverside County:

RIVERSIDE, Ca. -- Santa Claus, a Jingle Bell Jam, boutique shopping and scores of dazzling holiday trees are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the Riverside Convention Center this Friday through Sunday (Nov. 25-27).

The Festival of Trees, now in its 27th year, raises awareness and support for the pediatric units at RUHS Medical Center. The 123-year-old public teaching hospital in Moreno Valley operates the only pediatric intensive care unit in Riverside County.

The three days of downtown fun culminate a week of activities -- including designer tree decorating and the Mistletoe Magic Gala -- presented by RUHS Foundation. This year a guided Senior Stroll through the Trees has been added on Saturday. Radio station KOLA will be onsite for a live broadcast Friday (Nov. 25) between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Erin Phillips, executive director of RUHS Foundation, said each year thousands of hours and hundreds of volunteers work for months to see the popular Festival of Trees come to life.

“The Festival has grown into a beloved tradition that brings joy to thousands,” Phillips said. “It reminds us there are children facing life threatening conditions and injuries who need our help and support. What better time to provide this than in a season of giving and hope?”

What: RUHS Foundation Festival of Trees

Where: Riverside Convention Center, 3637 Fifth Street, Riverside

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday - Saturday (Nov. 25-26) and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 27)

Media: Photos, video. Great visual opportunity Mon.-Tues (Nov. 21-22) as scores of volunteers decorate trees in the downtown convention center. Interviews.

Information: Visit here or call 951-486-4213.

Image via Shutterstock