Photos from 2010:

Several members of the gala steering committee preparing centerpieces for the big event, (l-r) Karen Deckard, Amy Mahoney, Terry Kazmier, Holly Hope, Kim Hodge, and Rebecca White The ladies of the Johnson City Jr. Monday Club provided refreshments for the opening reception as well as decorated a tree and wreath Cara Ledbetter (l.) with Candy Stieler and Gail Adkins with a tree decorated by Friends and Family of the American Cancer Society
Amy Mooney (l.) and her sister Holly Preston pose by Amy's tree Katherine Patterson next to her whimsical wreath

What is Festival of Trees?
View a List of Night of Lights Gala Auction Items

What is Festival of Trees?
Festival of Trees includes two events that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! During the Showing of the Trees exhibit, trees, wreaths, garlands, and other holiday items will be on display at the museum. The items will be available for viewing November 2nd -15th. Admission to this exhibit is included with admission to the museum. This exhibit is a preview for the Night of Lights Gala.

What is the Night of Lights Gala?
November 18th - tickets are $100 each
The Night of Lights Gala presents a holiday shopping spree for all your gift buying needs! Greenery, created by regional designers, and many other items, donated by the region's businesses and individuals, make up this exciting evening. Designer decorated greenery, artwork, health and beauty items like massages and fitness packages, items designed just for kids, specialty items, trips to exciting locales, entertainment packages, dinner packages to tempt anyone's palate, sports items like race packages and autographed items, and many golf outings will be included in the silent auction and voice auctions. This year's theme is Christmas in Candyland and will include a gourmet dinner and dancing with live music. For tickets, please contact Kristine Carter at (423) 434-HAND x.108.

Who benefits from this event?
Festival of Trees is the main fund-raising event for Hands On! Regional Museum, grossing $80,000 each year. Thousands of children, adults, senior citizens, school groups, church groups, and scout troops who visit the museum benefit from the numerous programs, activities, and exhibits these funds support. Attendance for the 2008-2009 fiscal year was over 81,000 people, all of whom were able to participate in educational programs and activities that were the result of funds raised from Festival of Trees.

How are the funds generated?
Corporate, private sponsorship of Festival of Trees, ticket sales, donations, and purchase proceeds from the voice and silent auctions held during the Gala all provide revenue to subsidize Hands On! educational programs, exhibits, and outreach.

How can the community assist?
The Festival of Trees Committee is seeking sponsors, volunteers, donors to give specialty items that can be sold during the Night of Lights Gala Auction. Hands On! Regional Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization; all contributions are tax-deductible. For sponsorship information, please contact Kim Hodge at (423) 434-HAND x.106.

Auction Items - Coming Soon!

Voice Auction

201. BBQ Party
Perfect for the holidays - no prep work! Includes self service pick up catering for 35 guests. Your meal will consist of pulled or sliced pork bar-b-que, char-grilled chicken, barbeque beans, cole slaw, tea, and the signature chocolate delight! Expires January 30, 2012.
Donated by The Firehouse Restaurant

202. Fly Fishing Trip
1/2 day guided Fly Fishing float trip for two people. No experience necessary!
Donated by Eastern Fly Outfitters, LLC

203. Pat Summit Basketball
Autographed Pat Summit Basketball in display case.
Donated by First Tennessee Bank

204. Black Pearl Set
9.5-10.5 mm black freshwater pearls on an 18” dyed necklace, 9-10 mm dyed gray fresh water pearl earrings, and a 6-strand fresh water pearl bangle bracelet featuring black and gray fresh water pearls.
Donated by Bowman Jeweler’s

205. Bathroom Remodel
Includes 6 feet of cabinetry with granite counter top, 2 faucets, 2 sinks, 1 toilet. Installation available at an additional cost.
Donated by Ferguson Enterprises and Preston Woodworking

206. Jason Witten Jersey
Dallas Cowboys Football Jersey autographed by Tight End Jason Witten and custom framed by Nelson Fine Art Gallery.
Donated by Jason Witten and Nelson Fine Art Gallery

207. Dove Hunt
Enjoy a dove hunt for 15 people the first weekend of dove season in Bill Hamilton’s field. Finish the day with lunch a box of cigars.
Donated by Bill Hamilton and Shamrock Beverage & Tobacco Shop

208. Men’s Watch
Gentlemen’s CYMA stainless steel Diver Chronograph Watch with quartz movement and sapphire crystal.
Donated by Gregory Isbell Co.

209 & 210. Vacation in Mexico
Two one-week vacations at Rancho Banderas, a private 5-star resort located on the north shore of Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Two bedroom, two bathroom condo with full kitchen and daily main service. Can sleep up to six. Amenities include: on-site restaurant, room service, spa, car rental, laundry service, cascading pool, water slides, private beach access, all the luxuries of home, and much more! Available for two weeks - January 28 - February 4 and February 4 - 11, 2012.
Donated by Linda Keller

211. Custom Photo Package
Includes a 16” x 20” gallery wrapped canvas made from an image from your signature session - Our signature sessions require special time and creativity. Legacy (extended family), Newborn (0-2 weeks) and Styled (themed) shoots all fall under the “signature” umbrella. These sessions include 2 photographers, multiple hours of photography, a pre-shoot consultation, creative direction and a full collection of 40 plus breathtaking images.
Donated by Picsee Studios

212. Hands On! Holstein Cow
Last year, your generous support helped us install a new agriculture exhibit, Down on the Farm. This year, we would like to expand our farm exhibit with the addition of a life-size replica of an udder-ly adorable Holstein cow! We need your MOO-lah!

Silent Auction

1. Peppermint Candy Christmas
Tree and wreath decorated with favorite things - peppermint, snowmen, and giving presents. Both have red and white lights, polka dot presents, snowmen, and peppermint candy. Adorned with three types of ribbon. The bows at the top finish off this candy ensemble.
Designed by Lisa Bradley

2. Wine Chiller
Includes one Bella Rosso (sweet) and one Rocco Bianco (semi-sweet) wine.
Donated by Corey Ippolito Winery

3. Wine & Goodies
Includes platter, Leon Millot (dry red wine), four jellies, two stoppers, corker, and drip ring.
Donated by Corey Ippolito Winery

4. Parkway Wine Basket
Donated by Parkway Liquor & Wine

5. Romantic Wine Basket for Two
Includes two bottles of wine, peanut butter truffles, and two wine glasses.
Donated by Dennis Marshall

6. Serving Pieces
Enjoy these two Willow House serving pieces! Swirls of powder-coated iron make this serving tray beautiful and exceptionally sturdy. The tray has a beveled glass insert. The Italian stitch platter is durable stoneware that is dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe up to 375°. As a final touch, enjoy these ornaments in a bowl or on your tree.
Donated by Willow House, formerly Southern Living at Home

7. Spirit of the Holiday
Wreath is decorated with silver, green, and red berries, green leaves, and green bulbs.
Designed by Mack Roller, The Posy Shop

8. American Girl Set
Includes a collectible Kirsten mini-American Girl doll, two t-shirts, a tote bag, and two tickets to the CASA American Girl Fashion Show on April 14, 2012.
Donated by CASA of Northeast Tennessee

9. Child’s Painting Project
Create your own interpretation of a great masterpiece - The Starry Night by Vincent can Gogh. For ages 5+.
Donated by Bear-n-Friends

10. Big Bag of Science
Set up your own science lab & amaze your friends. Learn about chemistry, physics, weather, biology, magnets, and more. Suited for ages 8+.
Donated by Turtle’s Nest Toys

11. Bright’s Zoo Boy Goodie Basket
Donated by Bright’s Zoo

12. Bright’s Zoo Girl Goodie Basket
Donated by Bright’s Zoo

13. Vet for a Day
Includes learning what it takes to be a vet: witnessing surgeries and helping with office visits. 9am-3pm, includes lunch. Best suited for a child age 7 or older.
Donated by Dr. Tim Dalpiaz, Boones Creek Animal Hospital

14. Coffee Basket
Includes travel cup, prepackaged coffee beans and one $5 gift certificate.
Donated by Creamy Cup Coffee Drive-Thru

15. Dinner for Two at Wellington’s
Must be used by May 26, 2012.
Donated by Wellington’s Restaurant at The Carnegie Hotel

16. Dinner and a Show for Two People
Donated by Blue Moon Dinner Theatre

17. Peppermint Twist
4’ tree with white lights, red and white peppermint candy-themed decorations, red and green balls, and peppermint twist ribbon.
Designed by Kate Strickland and Ginna Kennedy

18. Dessert Delight
Gift certificate for a 24-piece box of chocolates and six jumbo cupcakes.
Donated by Earth and Sky Confection and Another Touch Bakery

19. Chocolate Gift Basket
Donated by Chocolate Cafe and Coffee Co.

20. Simply Stated... Merry Christmas!
Traditional red and green, but mostly red metallic gauze and poinsettias are tucked into this 36” evergreen wreath. Shimmering behind the metallic gauze are 200 clear lights that will make your Christmas Merry & Bright!
Designed by Liz Bushong

21. Peppermint Flutter Wreath
Adorned with candy canes, peppermint candies, green butterflies, and large red glitter poinsettias.
Designed by Linda Cleveland, The Posy Shop

22. Dining Package
$25 gift certificate to Taste Budz, $25 gift certificate to Pratt’s BBQ, Calabash Chicken Dinner at Fatz, and $5 gift card to Stan’s Bar-B-Q.

23. Thickburgers for a Year
Coupons for one Thickburger a week for a year and a Coca-Cola Collectible Bobble-Head Santa.
Donated by Hardee’s

24. Pizza for a Year
One 14” large pizza of choice each month for one year.
Donated by Chef’s Pizzeria

25. A Peppermint Christmas Dream
Flocked tree with red ribbon and bows, mixed candy canes, lollypops, ribbon candy, red berries, and ferns.
Designed by Carolyn Puckett, The Posy Shop

26. Little Caesars Pizza Package
Two Hot-n-Ready cheese or pepperoni pizzas each month for one year.
Donated by Little Caesars

27. Family Picnic Package for 10
Package includes: 10 original Chick-fil-A sandwiches, 10 cole slaws, 10 Lays potato chips, 10 fudge nut brownies, one gallon of sweet tea, ice, cups, and condiments. Some restrictions apply, not valid with any other offer. Closed Sunday.
Donated by Chick-fil-A

28. Whimsical Rag Wreath
Designed by Holly Hope

29. Pair of Copper Thread Cone Trees
Donated by Three Blind Mice

30. Simple Photo Session
Ideal for fun, interactive kids & families, simple sessions tell your story. They include up to 1 hour of photography time at a location of your choice (within the Tri-Cities) and yield a collection of around 40 amazing images.
Donated by Picsee Studios

31. Photo by Kelly Elliott
Metallic finish photo of Roan Mountain with custom framing and museum quality glass.
Donated by Kelly Elliott Photos

32. Stained Glass Panel
Hand made stained glass panel: a slight variation of The Carpenter’s Wheel quilt pattern.
Donated by John J. Jenkinson

33. Chickadee Feeder
Handmade by Paul Anthony of Anthony Stoneware.
Donated by Robin’s On Roan

34. Christmas Table Setting
Holiday table setting for four. Everything you need to have a cozy Christmas Eve dinner by the fire. Snuggle up with a bowl of hot soup and finish up with roasting marshmallows..
Donated by Merry McKenna

35. Handmade Leather Journal
Italian leather bound writer’s journal.
Donated by Matthew Almaroad

36. Basket of Nativity Ornaments
Donated by Earica Marshall

37. Basket of Amish Quilted Ball Ornaments
Donated by Earica Marsall

38. Scrapbooking Basket
Includes a Busy Family School Organizer and Complete Scrapbook Kit, with over 1,000 pieces.
Donated by Jeanne Good

39. Mommy & Me Aprons
Mommy and me “Let’s make cookies and gingerbread aprons - white with pink, green, and brown ruffles and monogramming.
Donated by Lisa Bradley

40. Peppermint Forest
Four foot tree with a Candy Land game theme.
Designed by GFWC Johnson City Junior Monday Club

41. North Carolina Package
Includes four passes to Grandfather Mountain and four one-day park admission tickets to Tweetsie during the 2012 “Wild West” season. Includes the train ride and other activities and shows. Not valid during Day Out With Thomas™ or the Ghost Train® Halloween Festival.
Donated by Grandfather Mountain & Tweetsie Railroad

42. Briarwood Ranch Safari Park Passes
Ten complimentary admission passes.
Donated by Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

43. Lollipop Woods
Wreath decorated to coordinate with the Candy Land game.
Designed by GFWC Johnson City Junior Monday Club

44. Family Fun Pack
Play for each person ( 4 people ), 1 hour play card, 2 attractions, $5.00 on each card, and a trip to the all-you-can-eat buffet (pizza, pasta, salad, dessert, and drinks). Can be used Mon-Thurs 11:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Donated by Fun Expedition

45. Doe River Gorge Package
“Endless Summer Getaway 2012” package for four people includes lodging in our restored railroad sleeping car and admission to Saturday Day Quest with lake activities, train rides, and more. Three meals provided on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Expires 9/30/2012.
Donated by Doe River Gorge

46. Cupcakes and Peppermints
This Candyland themed wreath and arrangement are adorned in traditional red and white with cupcakes and peppermints that will cause you to dream of spending your Christmas in Candyland. May your dreams take you on a stroll through Cupcake Commons or Peppermint Forest which will lead you to a sweet, sweet Christmas.
Designed by Teresa Bowman

47. It’s A Candy Christmas
Door swag using deco mesh, luscious holiday candies, with glossy red and green ribbon.
Designed by Mack Roller, The Posy Shop

48. The Grinch’s Christmas
Green and red deco mesh wreath with red curly cues and poinsettias, green, red and gold ting ting with Christmas balls.
Designed by Laura Story, The Posy Shop

49. One Pair Explosion Rock Roller Skates
Donated by Johnson City Family Skate Center

50. Skating Party
This party is for up to 50 of your closest friends and family. It gives you private use of our facility for 2 hours. We will provide the music and skate rental. All refreshments and paper products are the responsibility of the party.
Donated by Johnson City Family Skate Center

51. Aquarium Tickets
Admission tickets for four.
Donated by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

52. Family Waterpark Passes
Eight passes to Wilderness at the Smokies, the largest year round waterpark resort. Does not include overnight accommodations. Does not expire.
Donated by Wilderness at the Smokies

53. Bays Mountain Package
Includes a 12-month family membership and a wolf print.
Donated by Bays Mountain Park

54. Paint Your Own Pottery
$100 gift certificate.
Donated by Into the Fire

55. I Dream of Candyland
From the cupcake commons to gummy hills via the peppermint pass, this whimsical take on Candyland features oversized cupcakes, peppermints, ice cream cones, and gum drops mixed with splashes of pinks, greens, and blues.
Designed by Wendi Carter

56. Knoxville Symphony Tickets
Two tickets to any 2011-2012 KSO Masterworks or Chamber Classics Concert in the Orchestra1/Balcony 1 Seating.
Donated by Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

57. Symphony of the Mountains Season Tickets
Season tickets for two for the 2011-2012 concert series.
Donated by Symphony of the Mountains

58. Night on the Town
Two tickets to any Kingsport Theatre Guild 2011-2012 production with dinner for two.
Donated by Kingsport Theatre Guild and MeadowView Resort

59. Dollywood Tickets
Certificate redeemable to two one-day admission tickets during the 2011-2012 Operating Season.
Donated by Dollywood

60. Dinner and Dancing
Six tickets to Nutcracker in December 2011 or Don Quixote in March 2012. To complete your evening, enjoy a $50 gift certificate to The Chop House
Donated by Kingsport Ballet and The Chop House

61. Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Three day ski rental and three day snowboard rental.
Donated by Alpine Ski Center

62. Cotton Candy Christmas
Designed by Mandi Brown

63. Outdoor Bird Friendly Evergreen
A live Cryptomeria Yoshino (or a Yoshino Cedar Japanese) tree for your garden and your backyard birds. Perfect for your yard throughout winter and for planting in the spring for years of enjoyment. Planting instructions and bird seed recipes are included.
Designed by Shady Oaks Garden Club

64. Still Cozy After All These Years
Includes picture frame ornaments for the happy couple.
Designed by Angel Cairnes

65. Trip Around the World King Size Quilt
Made and quilted by Joan. 100% cotton fully washable. Approximately 100” x 100,” suitable for a king size bed.
Donated by Joan Guggenheim

66. Meredith Valley Overnight
One night stay in the cabin of your choice at Meredith Valley nestled on the banks of the Watauga River in Elizabethton.
Donated by Meredith Valley Cabins

67. Thirty-One Package
Includes a Square Utility Tote in St. Andrew’s Tartan print, an About Town Blanket in St. Andrew’s Hole-N-1 print, and a $20 gift certificate redeemable with Danielle Parker.
Donated by Danielle Parker, Independent Consultant thirty-one gifts

68. Evening of Indulgence
Overnight stay for two in a lavish suite, pampering half-hour massage treatment for two at Austin Springs Spa-located on the lower level and a $50 voucher towards a romantic dinner for two at Wellington’s restaurant. Must be used by April 11, 2012.
Donated by Carnegie Hotel

69. Asheville Getaway
Includes a relaxing one night stay with room accommodation for two and breakfast the next morning in the Blue Ridge Dining Room at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.
Donated by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

70. Snowy Christmas Morning
Iridescent and pearlized ornaments and white berries.
Designed by Camilla Lyle

71. Christmas Treats
An old fashioned gingerbread girl serves up her Christmas treats on the wreath of gingerbread sweets.
Designed by Wendi Carter

72. Silver Cross Tree
4’ tree with white lights, beautifully decorated with white and silver balls and ribbon finished off with 5 vintage sterling silver crosses by Reed & Barton for Tiffany & Co. These collectible ornaments are dated and complete with the original boxes.
Designed by Diana Mozen

73. Hanukkah Table Setting
You will be ready for the Festival of Lights with this blue and silver table setting! Complete with matching Star of David table cloth and napkins, blue place mats, winter cardinal bowls and plates, four dreidels, and a contemporary menorah. You’ll have everything you’ll need to celebrate! Happy Hanukkah!
Designed by Liz Nevil-Smith

74. Vintage Holiday
Created with all vintage, hand stitched mittens, booties, doll clothes, and bonnets. Shoes are from the late 1800s to 1950s. Antique buggy from early 1950s. All dolls from early 1900s to 1940s. Ribbon is made from baby bunting from 1950s.
Designed by Angel Cairnes

75. Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams
Soft golds and burgundy reds adorn this lovely tree. Poinsettias, ferns, and acanthus leaves complete this updated version of a traditionally styled tree. This beautiful tree could be used as decorated or completed with your own personal collection of family ornaments.
Designed by The Christmas Shop On Main

76. Tree of Gold
Designed by Debbie Messer, The Posy Shop

77. Sports Bar & Sports Clips
Includes a $50 gift certificate to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and a fun helmet shaped basket with spa products and a gift certificate to Sports Clips.
Donated by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and Sports Clips

78. Hair Care Gift Basket
Includes a Paul Mitchell hair dryer, $50 gift card, Awapuhi (by Paul Mitchell) hair care products and a hair line paddle brush.
Donated by Enkore Salon/Day Spa

79. Spa Party
Mani/Pedi for 4 or pedi for 6 - private party with snacks and beverages. You will feel really pampered during a limo ride to the salon!
Donated by Uptown Salon & Day Spa and The Charles

80. His & Hers Basket
Includes enrollment fee, six months membership for two people, 30 minute massage, and lots of goodies.
Donated by The Wellness Center

81. Wellness Basket
Basket of Health and Wellness Products by Nutrametrix:  Professional grade, isotonic vitamins. One Activated B Complex;  one Vitamin D (5000 IU’s) with K2; one Calcium Complete; and one quart of Strawberry-Kiwi flavored Ultimate Aloe Juice   Start creating vibrant health.....naturally!
Donated by Dr. Judith Lynn Conley

82. Nutritional Evaluation
Full nutritional evaluation of your child’s nutrition and health. Make sure your child’s health and well-being is great!
Donated by Elaine Osgood, Nutritionist

83. Happy Christmas
Designed by Katherine Patterson

84. Everything That Glitters May Not Be Gold - It Might Be Red!
A tree filled with glittering, sparkling gold and red balls, red and gold garland, star bursts, wreaths and bows.
Designed by Bob and Ruth Newsome

85. Handmade Bracelet
Dyed jade and silver-tone beads on purple leather wrap bracelet.
Donated by Babylon Sisterz

86. Men’s Watch
Solid stainless steel watch with black dial, date, hidden clasp and swiss movement.
Donated by Tony Benton

87. Doggy Day Care
Basket includes a 5-day doggy day care pass, treats, and toys for your furry friend.
Donated by Camp Ruff-n-more

88. Electronic Safe
This safe measures about 19”x13”x16” and features a 1-hour fire rating, 5/8” thick door, and electronic lock with touch screen LCD display. Accepts two user codes with an emergency key-lock override system.
Donated by Mahoney’s

89. ETSU Plank Pack
One set of Plank Pack flex tickets for the 2011-2012 ETSU Basketball season.
Donated by ETSU Athletics

90. Bristol Golf
Round of golf for four with carts and lunch.
Donated by Bristol Country Club

91. Hardwood Flooring
250 sq ft. of Hill Shire 3/8” Engineered Hardwood Flooring. Can be installed in any level of the home.
Donated by Mullican Flooring

92. Super Saver Club Card
Four free oil changes, two tire rotations, and great discounts on many other services.
Donated by American Import Services

93. Computer Package
One hour of on-site service and three free classes.
Donated by Networking and Computer Connection and NACC Learning Center

94. Business Alignment
Have an ActionCOACH evaluate your business and identify many different areas of untapped potential.
Donated by Curt Henry, Action Coach

95. All That Glitters
Coordinating wreath and tree adorned in gold.
Designed by Corner Nest Antique Mall

96. Spa Gift Basket
Includes a $50.00 gift card, a candle, wallet, picture frame, and spa thermal cup.
Donated by Austin Springs Spa & Salon

97. 10 Tanning Visits
Donated by Beautiful Tans

98. One Hour Massage
Must be used by June 30, 2012.
Donated by Franklin Health & Fitness Center

99. 30 Minute Massage
Massage with Kim Gurley or Heather Cross.
Donated by Healthy Effects

100. Two 30-Minute Massages
Donated by Absolute Energy Massage

101. Stress Reducing Basket
Basket filled with Natalie’s books, a great bottle of champagne, and free 30-minute coaching session to get ready to rock and roll with your 2012 goals!
Donated by Natalie Manor & Associates

102. Tooth Whitening
One maxillary and mandibular Nite White Tooth Whitening System. Includes upper and lower custom trays and NiteWhite* Starter Kit.
Donated by Dr. William H. Dyer, Appalachian Dental Association P.C.

103. A “Chocolate Lovers” Christmas
This small green tree features chocolate covered strawberries and other chocolate candies.
Designed by Linda Cleveland, The Posy Shop

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