LAUREN STOTZER … Lauren Stotzer is the 2021 Festival of Trees featured Artist. (PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER)
By: Jacob Kessler
The annual Festival of Trees was celebrated this past weekend at Founders Hall in Archbold. The annual Festival of Trees event benefits Triangular Processing.
The non-profit organization serves individuals with developmental disabilities in Northwest Ohio.
Triangular Processing has been around since 1997 and was started by parents of adults with developmental disabilities, who wanted to provide opportunities for employment and growth for their children. In 2019, the Festival of Trees was created as a community event that raises money for the organization.
On Thursday, the event brought people in for the Festival of Trees annual tree lighting. The event was free to the public and open to everyone. Visitors were able to see the items that were up for auction, enjoy the lights on the trees and refreshments, and listen to live music.
Thursday, the event held its annual Winterfest Ball. Tickets were $60 with the option to buy a full table for $400.
Silent and live auctions took place with a dinner and of course, Christmas trees and lights. A very special addition next to each tree was there as well.
2021 Ambassadors had paintings and stories available for everyone to view and for auction. This years featured artist is Lauren Stotzer. Lauren attends the Triangular Processing’s Art Studio and enjoys spending time with the staff, her family and many friends.
Her Polar Bear painting is this years featured art piece. Lauren worked hard this year getting her work ready to display for this weekend on top of completing 12 commissioned art pieces.
Seventeen other ambassadors were also a part of the event and had art displayed at the event. Trees at the event were sponsored by local businesses and decorated by community members.
Other local artists were also showcased in addition to artists from Triangular Processing. Funds raised go towards helping the non-profits vocational programming, The Special Olympics, transportation and community integration.
Friday night the event was packed with visitors filling the hall and every seat that was available. Kathy Shaw, the Director at Triangular Processing said, “We are very grateful; and the outpouring of support has been amazing. I am overjoyed with how much attention the contributions made by the individuals and their art have been getting.”
After the Winterfest Ball on Friday, the Festival of Trees held one last event on Saturday. Breakfast with Santa was available for $10.
Everyone was able to get pictures with Santa and have a light breakfast in the morning. The Festival of Trees was a great event that celebrated the achievements of all and gave the community an opportunity to come and see and give their support.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com
POLAR BEAR… Lauren Stotzer’s Polar Bear painting sits in view for all to see next to a beautiful Christmas Tree that accents the paintings colors.
