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Festival of Trees raises more than $14,000 for Chimney Park
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Members of Friends of Newton Parks receive a check from members of the Festival of Trees Thursday. Left to right, Saba Turner, Dawn Atha, Taylor Bradley, Mickie Bradley, Melvin Allen, Jean Austin and Cathy Stubbs. Not pictured are Lisa Conner, Latrell Cawthon and Kelli Hopkins.

Thanks to the Festival of Trees, a big check was presented to the Friends of Newton County Parks for improvements to Chimney Park Thursday.

The event that ran throughout November and December saw Ramsey’s Furniture Store Annex filled with more than 100 creatively decorated Christmas trees, beautiful wreaths and generous gift baskets, all donated by businesses, individuals and organizations. Hundreds of people visited the event at Ramsey’s to bid on the silent auction items or buy raffle tickets.
The event raised $14,643.48, which was donated to Chimney Park. Warner Bros., on behalf of The Vampire Diaries, donated $3,000.

Melvin Allen, Chimney Park Chair, said he was thrilled with the community support for the event.

“Friends of Newton Parks and Chimney Park are grateful to the Festival of Trees and the local community for their support,” Allen said. “Funds raised will allow us to continue to make improvements at Chimney Park.”

The FOT organizers are already looking toward their next event. If your nonprofit group is interested in receiving funds from FOT, you can submit an application to Newton FOT, 5168 Ashley Drive, Covington, GA 30014.

“Thank you all who volunteered,” Festival of Trees organizer Lisa Conner said. “It takes a multitude to make Festival of Trees a success.”