History of the Holiday Tree Festival
In 1982, a group of creative and hard-working volunteers wanted to provide families with an event to celebrate the holiday season.  The Holiday Tree Festival benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital has been the Volunteers of Akron Children's Hospital’s gift to the Akron area community for more than 30 years, remaining free to the public to attend.  This annual event would not be possible without their dedication, perseverance and creativity. 

The very first Holiday Tree Festival was held Thanksgiving week, November 24-28, 1982, at Quaker Square in downtown Akron.  The Festival included 70 decorated wreaths and trees, and raised more than $27,000 for Akron Children’s Hospital.  The first Preview Party was also held on Tuesday, November 23, 1982.  Seven hundred people attended the gala and enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner as well as a first look at the beautiful display of decorated trees.

While the Holiday Tree Festival’s first year was an overwhelming success, the event has been transformed today into one of Akron Children’s Hospital largest and most supported fundraisers.  At the Festival’s Silver Anniversary in 2006, a record $194,000 was raised. 

Besides the 156 large decorated trees, displays also included 41 miniature trees, 43 decorated wreaths, 89 other items such as baskets, handcrafted items, and figurines and was moved to the John S. Knight Convention Center to accommodate its growing size and popularity.  The Holiday Tree Festival still resides at the John S. Knight Convention Center in downtown Akron and an estimated 250,000 people visit the wonderful display of trees each year. 
           
Each tree has its own story.  Some are to celebrate in the spirit of the holiday or share a favorite hobby or passion.  Some are created in the memory of a child or loved one.  Some trees are staples of the event, appearing year after year.

A contingent of more than 1,400 volunteers work throughout each year to make the Festival a success.   Volunteers include hospital employees and retirees, retired teachers, students, doctors, nurses, firemen and community leaders. 

Over $3.5 million has been raised in the Tree Festival’s history.  All of the proceeds are donated to Akron Children’s Hospital to use in their areas of greatest need including patient care programs, equipment, medical research and education.    Funds are raised through the sale of the decorated trees, wreaths, miniatures, gala evening and raffle.

For 30 years, the Holiday Tree Festival has delighted local audiences with a spectacle of lights and holiday cheer that is truly “larger than life.”  In 2009, we celebrated the rich heritage of the Festival and honored the 30th anniversary of William H. Considine as the President and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital.