The Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce will be kicking off the holiday season by hosting the 13th Annual Festival of Trees at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Phoenix on Friday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This haute holiday event will showcase a number of beautifully decorated holiday trees, wreaths, menorahs and other displays that are all up for auction and sale. 

Holiday musical entertainment will accompany complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and various raffles and silent auction items – including a grand prize of a fully-stocked wine fridge, with only 100 raffle tickets sold. 

The VIP reception, held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will include complimentary champagne, as well as the opportunity to mingle with each designer and other special guests, including local, state and federal officials.

“After having to take last year’s event virtual due to COVID, we are thrilled to have safety precautions in place and be back in person to celebrate the holiday season,” Michael Mazzocco, event chair, stated in the release. 

A portion of all proceeds from the 13th Annual Festival of Trees will benefit GLSEN’s Changing the Game, a non-profit initiative whose purpose is to help schools provide safe and inclusive opportunities for LGBTQ+ students in sport as well as physical education. 

Proceeds will also go to the Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization, which empowers families through knowledge and support to ensure trans and gender expansive youth have the support and resources they need to live their best lives.

“This is the chamber’s biggest annual fundraiser and we are thrilled to have not one but two beneficiaries this year,” Mazzocco stated.

Festival of Trees' tickets are $75 for general admission or $100 for VIP entry and are available for purchase at www.FestivalofTreesPhoenix.org. 

For more information on the GPGLCC, visit EqualityChamber.org or call 480-648-9423.