Dear Friends of Summit Charter School and the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau,

We are excited to unveil the 2025 Benefactor Packages for our two signature events: Toast to the Trees on July 29, and the Cashiers Festival of Trees, held on November 28–29. Now in its fifth year, these events continue to shine as a joyful celebration of community, generosity, and impact—raising $1.6 million since 2021 to support Summit and fellow nonprofits. A very special Thank You to our 2025 Presenting Sponsor, Cashiers Valley Real Estate.

This July, we kick off in holiday style with Toast to the Trees, our summertime gala for Benefactors and Corporate Sponsors at the Garland level and above. Join us at the newly renovated Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley, where an enchanting woodlands theme will meet the magic of the holidays, transforming the already picturesque venue into a festive forest scene. We’re thrilled to welcome Sharon and Joe Pryse as this year’s Toast Hosts—our very first Festival donors and longtime supporters known for hosting unforgettable celebrations!

Then, over Thanksgiving weekend, the Festival of Trees transforms Summit’s campus into a winter wonderland filled with decorated trees, wreaths, gift baskets, shopping, and family fun. From children’s crafts and scavenger hunts to the Gameday Lounge—sponsored by The Moskowitz Law Firm—and our ever-growing Gift Zone, there’s magic for all ages. Don’t miss O.P. Taylor’s Toy Workshop, VIP Breakfast with Santa & Friends, and Festival: After Dark—sponsored by The Club at High Hampton.

Can’t be there in person? No problem—our online experience makes it easy to participate from anywhere!

At its heart, the Festival supports Summit, our tuition-free K–12 public charter school. Summit receives significantly less public funding than traditional public schools, making private donations essential to fully fund academic programs, small class sizes, the arts, outdoor education, and more. Additionally, nonprofits featured in the Festival receive 80% of proceeds from their auction items, extending the impact of your generosity throughout the plateau. Whether you support through a Benefactor package, auction item, or volunteerism, your generosity fuels our mission. Funds raised here stay here—supporting education, local nonprofits, and the vibrant spirit of our beloved community.

Information on our 2025 Benefactor Packages and the myriad of ways you can support the Festival are enclosed. Thank you for making our spirits merry and bright. We can’t wait to celebrate with you this summer and again this holiday season!

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Denice Dunn and Celeste Pratt