LOGAN — One of Cache Valley’s most popular holiday fundraisers returns Nov. 24 as the Cache Education Foundation hosts its 11th annual Christmas Tree Jubilee at the Riverwoods Conference Center.
The event, presented by DWA Construction, runs from 3 to 6 p.m. and features small decorated Christmas trees and wreaths created by community members and local businesses. Santa Claus will also be on hand, offering what organizers say is one of the earliest opportunities in the valley to visit with him.
A VIP dinner and live auction will follow at 6:30 p.m., with the auction scheduled to begin around 7 p.m. Fox Pest Control is sponsoring the dinner.
The Jubilee raises money for the Cache Education Foundation, which supports classrooms throughout the Cache County School District. Foundation board president Teri Lewis told KVNU’s For the People program that the organization began in 1988 with just $200 and has since directed “millions into the Cache County School District” through grants, scholarships and classroom resources.
Lewis said the district’s technology needs continue to grow, making the Jubilee an essential fundraiser.
“We want to fill in the gaps,” she said. “We want to make sure the teachers have all the resources they need to be successful in the classroom.”
Spencer Jensen, who works in the district’s technology department, said funds from the Jubilee help teachers test new equipment before the district makes large-scale purchases.
“It allows us to be able to go into the classroom and try some equipment, try some new products … before we go out and purchase a large scale for the entire school,” he said. “We appreciate the donors that participate in this so we can test out this equipment.”
The public is invited to view and purchase the smaller trees and wreaths during the free 3–6 p.m. portion of the event. Larger, fully designed trees — which in past years have taken volunteers “weeks” to assemble — will be auctioned during the evening program.
Lewis said tables and individual tickets remain available for the VIP dinner. Community members who want to participate can contact the foundation at 435-755-2022 or through its website, cefut.org.
Lewis said businesses can also support other events, including the foundation’s annual August golf tournament and its spring Hats Off teacher awards.
The foundation is also delivering $285,000 in “Tools for Schools” grants to all 25 district schools this month.
“All of this is volunteer time and effort,” Lewis said. “It goes to show how this valley cares about its future.”