$14,000 awarded to local causes from the proceeds of Easton Festival of Trees

The Easton Charitable Trust (ECT), a non-profit organization committed to raising funds for charitable groups and individuals in need, is pleased to award proceeds from its successful 2016 Festival of Trees fundraiser to 7 local organizations: the Evan Greene Foundation, Easton Wings of Hope, Ali’s Park of Eastondale, Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog, School on Wheels Massachusetts, Smith Farm at Borderland, and H.U.G.S. II of Easton. All donation monies are being applied towards programs that increase the safety and value of our surrounding communities.

The Evan Greene Foundation will be purchasing marketing materials for their No First Time presentation at Oliver Ames High School on March 8th, as well as funding the cost for a person in need to attend a treatment facility for addiction. Easton Wings of Hope hosts ongoing Hidden in Plain Site sessions to educate parents on how to identify the many ways a child can hide drug paraphernalia. Ali’s Park of Eastondale will install an American flag and landscaped bed to welcome its visitors to the newly refurbished park on Pine Street in Easton in honor of resident Ali Hamilton. Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog has purchased a bullet proof vest for a member of its canine unit located in Seekonk (seen in photo wearing the vest). School on Wheels Massachusetts distributes over 2,000 fully-stocked backpacks to disadvantaged children every year, and with the ECT donation will be able to purchase 100 new backpacks for the students of its tutoring program.

​Smith Farm curator Carrie Crisman will be purchasing a new door and windows for the renovation of Smith Farm House, located at Borderland State Park and designated as a place for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. H.U.G.S. II of Easton will continue to provide awareness, prevention, education, and early intervention for victims of domestic abuse. The Festival of Trees will be returning to the Easton Country Club from November 25 – December 10, 2017. Please visit the website for more details on the festival and its beneficiaries at www.eastonfestivaloftrees.org.