Commission plans wildlife-themed holiday tree for Akron Children's fundraiser, seeks gift-card sponsors

Members of the Stowe Urban Forestry Commission confirmed plans to sponsor a holiday tree for the Akron Children's Hospital fundraiser and discussed theme options, ornaments and sponsorship logistics at their July 14 meeting.

The group said it had secured a registration (tree number 77) and was pursuing possible donated pre-lit trees. Commissioners discussed creating decorations using locally made "tree cookies" painted by children or other craft-based ornaments and suggested coordinating with local schools to involve students. The commission discussed a dual approach: one tree to remain in Stowe as a display year to year and a second sponsored tree for Akron Children's as a fundraiser.

Commissioners expressed interest in a wildlife or "urban ecosystem" theme that could include bird- or wildlife-themed ornaments, binoculars or bird books, and gift cards or donated gardening tools placed under the fundraising tree. They noted a previous $250 grant had been used for decorations and that additional gift certificates from area businesses would help increase the tree's fundraising value.

Members discussed logistics for transporting a donated pre-lit tree if one is provided, and considered whether to create a handmade tree if donations do not arrive in time. The commission also discussed supplying ornaments made by schoolchildren and using existing "tree cookies" from past events. The transcript indicates commissioners will continue to solicit sponsors and finalize a theme before the next meeting; no formal budget increase or sponsorship commitments were recorded in the transcript.

The commission flagged two constraints: the fundraiser is a formal event (described as a "black tie affair" for Akron Children's) and some sponsor items (for example, gift certificates) need to be handled per the fundraiser's rules rather than hung on the tree as ornaments.