These are a few of the trees on display at Roots Athletic Center in Westfield that are part of the Westfield On Weekends’ annual fundraising Tree Jubilee and raffle.
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff Clark
WESTFIELD — Bids open for Westfield on Weekends’ eighth annual Tree Jubilee on Nov. 17 and run through Dec. 3.
The trees, wreaths and tabletop displays are available to view before the bidding begins at Roots Athletic Center, 181 Root Road, outside The Reminder offices during open hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
The Tree Jubilee supports Westfield on Weekends’ programming throughout the year. “It’s one of the ways WOW fundraises for all the things WOW does for the community,” said Bob Plasse, the Board of Directors president for WOW. “It’s also a beautiful holiday event. If people are unable to participate, they can still look at all of the beautiful trees in the lobby of Reminder Publishing at Roots.”
Plasse said the Tree Jubilee kicks off WOW’s DecemberFest every year, with events that go through Three Kings Day in early January. “The Tree Jubilee happens earlier so people can take their trees home and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.”
Lisa Sunderland Burns, who organizes the Tree Jubilee, said besides the dozens of fully decorated trees, there are wreaths, lanterns, a tabletop tree and a three-tiered stand with Christmas displays.
She said many of the businesses and individuals that donate trees have been doing it for the past eight years, among them Firtion Adams Funeral Services, Westfield Gas & Electric, Wagner Rug & Flooring, the Boys & GIrls Club of Greater Westfield and the Sullivan family. In addition to decorative themes, many of the trees also have gift cards and other fun items included.
This year, Kim Starsiak of All-Star Dance Center is donating a tree made entirely out of Disney-themed balloons. Sunderland Burns said the Air National Guard 104th and the Westfield Fire Department Local 1111 also participate every year with unique displays.
“It’s come to be a tradition for most people. They look forward to it every year. A lot of people come up to take their family photos in front of the trees for Christmas cards and keepsake memories,” she said.
The raffle goes live online only on Nov. 17, the only way tickets may be purchased and placed on the trees and decorations that people would like to win. The cost is three tickets for $5, 10 tickets for $10, 25 tickets for $20 — the most popular bid — or 75 tickets for $50. All of the money goes to support Westfield on Weekends’ programming.
Photos of the raffle prizes and instructions on how to bid will be available at westfieldonweekendstreejubilee2025.basketraffle.org before online bidding begins.
Winners will be chosen on Dec. 4 and contacted by phone and/or email. Trees, wreaths, and tabletop displays must be picked up at 181 Root Road on Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Sunderland Burns encourages people to visit the trees in person before making their bids. “It’s a must see. The photos online don’t do them justice. To get the full experience, stop by and see the trees in person,” she said.
She also wanted to thank all of the sponsors, donors and participants for supporting the raffle.”We do raise thousands of dollars for WOW.”
The Tree Jubilee is produced in association with Roots Athletic Center, The Westfield News and Reminder Publishing.
