Published: November 3, 2020
Home for the holidays has a new meaning for many this year. To help you get ready, the annual Festival of Trees & Lights, presented by Republic Bank, and Snow Ball, presented by Konica Minolta, will take place in an online format this year.
The 31st annual Festival of Trees & Lights will include online sales of trees, wreaths and other holiday greenery. The Snow Ball, too, will include a virtual experience and silent auction for all to enjoy from home. Funds raised benefit Norton Children’s Hospital through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.
This year’s events will honor Norton Children’s health care heroes. Childhood illnesses have not stopped during the pandemic. These heroes always work to ensure children receive the care they need, and with the pandemic, are now wearing many additional hats — supporting parents, educating families and trying to make a hospital stay less stressful. These caregivers are physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, chaplains, respiratory therapists, child life and expressive therapists, food service professionals, cleaning and maintenance staff, technicians and so many more.
Make a donation any time in honor of a health care hero by visiting HelpNortonChildrens.com.
Hundreds of designers have worked to create items decorated with sports themes, children’s cartoon characters, modern and classic designs, and more for your Christmas decorating. Trees come in 2-, 3-, 4-, 7- and 9-foot heights. Wreaths are 24, 30 and 36 inches in diameter. Swags, also known as teardrops, and mailbox covers also will be available.
The Festival of Trees & Lights Facebook page will offer fun family games and crafts as well as sneak peeks, tips for decorating and special presentations to help kick off the holidays.
For information, a schedule of online events or to purchase items Nov. 13 to 15, visit FestivalOfTreesAndLights.org.
Now in its 31st year, the Snow Ball is traditionally one of the largest annual fundraisers for Norton Children’s Hospital. This year’s first-ever virtual Snow Ball will offer new and fun ways to participate.
Join us Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30 to 9 p.m., on the Norton Children’s Facebook page for a special live presentation from Norton Children’s Hospital. From 7:30 to 8 p.m., take part in a pre-show cocktail hour, which will feature entertainment and a Pama signature cocktail-making demonstration from Heaven Hill. From 8 to 9 p.m., get a behind-the-scenes hospital tour, see highlights from the event’s silent auction items and find out who wins the hospital’s Home & BMW Raffle.
Gourmet dining
A special dinner package will feature a three-course meal for two from The Village Anchor, Le Moo or Grassa Gramma. It will include a bottle of wine and commemorative Snow Ball gift (one per household). The package is $300 for two meals, with proceeds benefiting Norton Children’s. To purchase, visit NortonChildrensSnowBall.com.
Silent auction
The Snow Ball silent auction will feature luxury items such as vacations, fine dining experiences, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts. Register to bid at NortonChildrensSnowBall.com. The auction will go live on Friday, Nov. 13, and will close in the evening of Saturday, Nov. 21. Those who register by Nov. 21, at noon, will be entered to win a special package delivered that evening during the live presentation (winner must live within 20 miles of Louisville).
Home & BMW Raffle
A highlight of the Snow Ball is the Norton Children’s Hospital Home & BMW Raffle drawing. First prize is a 2021 BMW X3 SUV from BMW of Louisville plus $10,000. Grand prize is a new home in Norton Commons built by Ramage Company and valued at over $750,000. Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased online at HomeAndBMWRaffle.com or by calling (502) 629-8060. Only 12,000 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held live at 9 p.m. during the virtual Snow Ball event on the Norton Children’s Facebook page.