Festival of Trees moves to online format

While things might be a little different in 2020 with an online format, the annual Liberty of Place Festival of Trees will once again be huge in fundraising efforts for the organization that provides life skills and housing for individuals with brain injuries, with facilities in both Whitehall and Belgrade.

According to Liberty Place Executive Director Ann Geiger, the event that usually takes place in Bozeman was moved online out of concern for the safety of supporters, staff, and residents. The online auction can be found at http://www.biddingowl.com/libertyplace, a format that Geiger feels is user friendly and has a good reputation.

"The process of getting things displayed, so people can appreciate the workmanship that goes into the trees, baskets and other donated items was important. We were able to get that with this site. We will really miss the dinner, however," she said.

Liberty Place will also be utilizing their Facebook (@LibertyPlaceInc) as a way to both promote the event and highlight their residents.

Geiger said David Parker and the Liberty Arts Ensembles have been hard at work over the past few months creating a song the Geiger believes really captures the times.

"I believe this piece is an impressive and important work of art. 2020 has been the year of challenges. Our residents have been isolated since March - as have all long-term care facility residents across the nation. The song they created in collaboration is a poignant statement about how, they have had to endure this on the one hand, and still tap into their resilience on the other. I am extremely proud of them," she said.

The only fundraiser of the year, Geiger said the Festival of Trees is what helps them build the programs they offer to those they serve.

"It also helps us with things like staff education and helps us fund so many of the activities that happen in and around the communities. Lastly, the Festival of Trees isn't just about the dollars... it is about the support: support for our residents and our staff, and this year, that support is more important than ever. Our residents feel that society has forgotten them. Festival of Trees is a what to show them that they matter," she said.