DESIGN AN ADOPT-A-TREE FOR THE 2008 FANTASY OF TREES

Your school or youth organization is invited to make a commitment to participate as an Adopt-A-Tree Designer for the 24th annual Fantasy of Trees to benefit Children's Hospital.

You will join the very best of this region's volunteers, sponsors and contributors who bring together their finest talents to showcase the essence of the holiday spirit ... a shining example of how individuals, businesses, civic clubs, churches, schools and youth organizations are committed to working together to bring the magic of the holiday season to all of East Tennessee. Help us continue this wonderful tradition by volunteering to participate!

Please read the information shared here for all details about the Adopt-A-Tree category. Your prompt response is needed to ensure your place in this spectacular event.

General Information For Adopt-A-Trees

The Adopt-A-Tree area is designed for schools and youth organizations (Brownie Troops, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church youth groups, etc.) as a way for children to participate in the Fantasy of Trees. Decorations should be created by children whenever possible.

Space is limited, and schools/youth organizations will be accepted on a first-come basis upon receipt of a signed contract until all trees in that category are filled. Please respond as soon as possible to ensure your participation.

Each school or organization may choose one category of participation:

• Seven-foot trees – 40 needed
• Four-foot trees – 20 needed

All decorations and materials displayed will constitute a donation to the Fantasy of Trees, and the decorated tree will be sold and delivered to a purchaser.

Creativity is encouraged in choice of theme, decorations and display to ensure quality presentation that represents the school/youth organization to the community and which results in maximum fund-raising to benefit Children's Hospital. Please be advised that more traditional themes sell better to the general public.

Click here to download and print the Adopt-A-Tree Designer contract.

Schools/Groups Will Provide:
• All decorations, lights and other materials for tree
• Durable tree skirt, wrapped boxes, decorations or merchandise under the tree
• Titled theme appropriate to the creative presentation
• Volunteer time to assist children in creating ornaments and adult volunteers to physically decorate the tree
• All materials and tools for set-up
• A multiplug strip extension cord to be used with the lights on the tree (not returned).
• All tree lights must plug into a multi plug strip, allowing 1 plug connection to the Convention Center and ultimately to the prochaser's power supply.
• A completed "Donor Inventory Sheet" listing all items used on or under the tree (form to be provided by the Fantasy of Trees Office)

Fantasy of Trees Will Provide:
• High quality artificial trees
• Tree stands suitable for tree height and delivery
• One electrical outlet per tree
• Acknowledgement via sign at tree and listing in program
• Creative display of all trees
• Fair and equitable pricing of all trees
• Complimentary tickets via a choice of ticket packages (see below for details)

Guidelines For Decorating Trees
1. All trees must be lighted with strings of miniature Christmas lights, as our experience has shown that unlighted trees do not sell well. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
   • Any color of lights is acceptable; however, all cords must be green to blend with the tree.
   • Number of lights needed: 100 or more lights per foot (7' tree = 700 lights+).
   • Must be miniature or twinkle variety (large bulbs get too hot).
   • Each string must be new, UL approved and have a fuse in the plug.
   • Extra fuses should be secured in a zip lock baggie and taped to the tree stand.
   • Use strings of lights that burn even if one or two lights go out. End-to-end construction is recommended where two strings can be attached to each other; DO NOT HOOK MORE THAN THREE STRANDS TOGETHER, as it causes the fuses to blow and tree lights will go out.
   • Check lights before putting them on tree to make sure they work. You may want to purchase extra sets as a backup. We suggest decorating the tree with the lights on.
   • Please remember to provide a multiplug strip extension cord with surge protection.
2. If the lights go out during the show, you will be called to come repair or replace them.
3. Each ornament must be securely glued together to ensure non-separation during delivery. Do NOT glue ornaments to the trees.
4. Edible ornaments (candy, gingerbread, marshmallows, etc.), live plants, balloons, hay or other highly flammable materials are NOT ALLOWED.
5. All ornaments, lights, garland or other materials must be securely twist-wired to the tree to ensure attachment during delivery. Typical Christmas ornament hangers may be used, as long as they are bent fully around the branch.
6. Trees must be fully decorated on all sides.

Acknowledgement Ticket Packages
• 7' Category (choose one) -- 2 Opening Night Gala tickets plus 5 show tickets OR 35 1-day show tickets
• 4' Category (choose one) -- 1 Opening Night Gala ticket plus 2 show tickets OR 25 1-day show tickets

All tickets will be distributed during set-up, after the inventory list has been turned in. Tickets will not be mailed in advance.

Inclusion in the Adopt-A-Tree area is dependent upon receipt of a signed contract at the Fantasy of Trees Office. Categories are filled on a "first come" basis upon receipt of a signed contract. We will mail contract acknowledgements immediately.

2008 Calendar:
May 31 - Deadline for contracts.
August 31 - Deadline for themes.
Sept. 14 -Theme confirmations mailed.
Nov. 2 - Final instructions mailed.
Nov. 23 - Decorate tree at Knoxville Convention Center.

For more information on the Fantasy of Trees, please call (865) 541-8385 or write to FOT@etch.com