Festival of Trees 2011

Absolutely Natural‘s team is growing more and more every year. I would like to introduce our newest employee, Jessica Bouwsma. She was first hired in May 2011, since then she has brought such joy in all of our lives and we are blessed to be surrounded by her giving nature. She continuously excels in her role as an Executive Assistant and her work ethic is incredible. In her free time away from Absolutely Natural, Jessica is the Membership Enhancement Chair with the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc. which is a nonprofit women’s volunteer organization in Brevard County. Her dedication to this organization is inspiring in so many ways. She recently attended the Organizational Development Institute Conference in Orlando, FL, which was great training for her role with JLSB. JLSB saw incredible leadership within Jessica and she elected to attend this invitation-only conference. In addition to our local support for the Sea Turtles, Jessica’s role with the JLSB has opened up an opportunity for Absolutely Natural to become more involved with people in our community.

Since 1966, the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc. (JLSB) has been an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The JLSB has committed itself to strengthening our community by developing, training and sustaining various projects. They do this by partnering with and supporting other organizations such as Haven I and II, Club Esteem, Serene Harbor, Connected by 25 Brevard, Habitat for Humanity and Community of Hope. Their three fundraisers in 2011 were Festival of Trees, Re-Run 5K and Rummage Roundup.

Festival of Trees is JLSB’s largest annual fundraiser and one of Brevard County’s most well-known and cherished holiday traditions, celebrating its 27th year this November 19th and 20th at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts. Festival of Trees features professionally designed holiday trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, signature trees, local musicians and vendors offering something for everyone in the family. 2010’s event was a triumphant success, raising a net profit of $47,534 and 2011’s Festival promises many magical memories and continued support for JLSB’s community partnerships.

This year, Absolutely Natural will be designing an “Absolutely Beachy” tree to be included in the Festival of Tree’s display and silent auction. Over the past several weeks, we have collected starfish, sand dollars and gorgeous nautical ornaments and three of us will work together at the King Center to setup and decorate this tree. All proceeds our tree brings in will go back to the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc. and help support our local Brevard County residents in need.

This is Absolutely Natural’s first year and we couldn’t be more excited. We would like to personally thank Jessica for bringing this opportunity to us and we want to thank the JLSB for having us at this year’s event! We encourage everyone to come out and support Brevard County! Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.kingcenter.com.

Stay tuned, pictures of our tree will be posted shortly!

Warm regards,
Lindsey