The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation (CAST), the North Fork’s far-reaching provider of safety net and self-sufficiency programs, will host its Fifth Annual North Fork Festival of Trees on Nov. 23 and 24 at Treiber Farms (38320 County Road 48, Peconic).

CAST’s largest annual fundraiser welcomes visitors to explore a winter wonderland marked by a presentation of locally designed trees and wreaths, live music, delicious refreshments, holiday and handcrafted goods, and a silent auction of special experiences and high-value items.

Uniquely themed trees and wreaths, decorated by local businesses, residents, and friends of CAST, are the highlight of a visit to the festival, where attendees can cast votes for the People’s Choice Awards.

Guests can also shop at the Merry Marketplace, with its array of holiday items, children’s toys, and local artisans’ and artists’ handmade works, and purchase locally sourced baked goods and hot beverages at the Cookie Cottage.

Families and children can take their photo with Santa on Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 3 p.m.

Event tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students (age 6-18), and free for children 5 and under.

The decorated trees and wreaths as well as experiences, packages, and goods are part of an online auction to benefit CAST. Auction bids can be placed and sponsorships and tickets can be purchased in advance for each festival day here.

At the event, CAST will be accepting monetary donations and also collecting new unwrapped toys for the annual CAST Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting North Fork and Shelter Island families in need.

Each year, the Festival of Trees helps CAST raise funds to provide critical food relief and emergency assistance programs to the many local families struggling to make ends meet.

With the North Fork’s increasingly high cost of living combined with its affordable housing crisis and many community members underemployed or unemployed during the winter due to seasonal work, CAST is 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.

“The Festival of Trees celebrates the compassion and strength of the North Fork community, offering vital support to our neighbors facing challenges during the harsh winter months. Together, we can foster hope and resilience for those in need,” said CAST Interim Executive Director Erica Steindl.

CAST serves nearly 1,500 families on the North Fork and Shelter Island and expects to provide approximately 450,000 meals in 2024. The non-profit relies on the continued generosity of the North Fork community to accomplish its work ensuring food, housing and economic security, and overall family well-being to residents in need on the North Fork and Shelter Island.

This year’s Festival of Trees presenting sponsor is Kim’s Kindness, a fund created by Kim Pawlowski’s family to continue her legacy of spreading kindness and tirelessly helping others, especially those less fortunate and in need.

“Kim had a way of making everyone around her feel seen, valued, and cared for,” said Kristine Pawlowski Rodriguez, Kim’s sister and spokesperson for Kim’s Kindness. “Our family is honored to sponsor the Festival of Trees and to continue Kim’s legacy of love and generosity by supporting CAST’s mission. Kim would have been so proud to help raise funds for families in need, especially during the holiday season, which was her favorite time of year.”  – East End Beacon