Behind every twinkling light is a purpose that lasts well beyond the holiday season.
Since 2022, the WNC Festival of Trees community has raised $94,000 to support scholarships and approved student and school programs. That impact is possible because local families, businesses, organizations, volunteers, and visitors choose to come together around one shared belief: every student deserves an opportunity to build a brighter future.
Scholarships that help students take the next step
Festival proceeds have helped fund 31 scholarships for 31 local students. These awards can ease the costs of tuition, books, living expenses, workforce training, and the transition into a meaningful career.
Support that reaches local programs
In addition to scholarships, festival support has reached six school and student programs, including Hayesville Middle School Athletics, Hayesville Primary PTO, Hayesville High School Band, Hayesville High School Future Farmers of America, Clay County Community for Students, and Hayesville High School Cross Country.
Growing the impact beyond Hayesville
For every three businesses outside Hayesville that sponsor at the Rudolph level or higher, the festival provides one $500 scholarship to a school in the sponsoring town. It is one way the holiday magic can create opportunities across Western North Carolina and North Georgia.