Summer Gala Scheduled for July 28, Festival of Trees to be November 25-26, 2022
CASHIERS, NC – July 22, 2022 – The Summit Charter School Foundation, a 501c (3) that raises vital funds to support Summit Charter School–a tuition-free K-12 public charter school in Cashiers, North Carolina–is pleased to announce the dates of its 2022 Cashiers Festival of Trees events, with McKee Properties serving as the Presenting Sponsor. The festivities include:
Moët & Chandon Toast to the Trees – July 28, 2022
In its second year, the Toast to the Trees gala is a summer celebration to kick-off the Cashiers Festival of Trees and to celebrate the event’s top supporters. “Toast” is sponsored by Moët & Chandon and will be at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley on Thursday, July 28. The VIP evening includes a champagne reception, a multi-course meal curated by Chef Dean Pugel and paired to perfection with Moët Hennessy wines and spirits, and entertainment by acclaimed singer-songwriter Radney Foster. As a Grammy Award nominee, Foster is well-versed in performance, and is a compelling storyteller at heart–regardless of whether his stories are told through song, book, or theatre. As of press time, only four seats remain available.
Cashiers Festival of Trees – November 25-26, 2022
Cashiers Festival of Trees is a two-day, family-friendly event during Thanksgiving weekend. Guests get in the holiday spirit by viewing and bidding on decorated Christmas trees and holiday décor. The event features 4-9 foot artificial trees, tabletop trees, wreaths, and gift baskets, many paired with exciting auction experiences. Guests enjoy entertainment throughout, crafts for children, a Build-a-Bear Pop Up made possible by Design South Builders, a Dolly Parton Imagination Library literacy stage celebrating the world of books, retail shopping, a golf cart raffle courtesy of Appalachian Golf Cars, and more magical fun.
Cashiers Festival of Trees will take place on Friday, November 25 – Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Summit Center (370 Mitten Lane), the athletics and fine arts facility at Summit Charter School. A VIP Breakfast with Santa & Friends is scheduled for the morning of Saturday the 26th with the menu by Chef Andrew Barlow and Chef Alexis Smith with The Club at High Hampton.
For those that cannot make the Festival in-person, there is a virtual component. “As a seasonal community, the virtual offering of the Festival makes it easy for us to involve people away for the holidays. Last year, we received 942 online bids, sold all 90 auction lots, and welcomed 1,000 in-person guests. There are many ways to get involved, near and far,” beams Sarah Chapin, who for the second year in a row is co-chairing the event with fellow Cashiers resident and Summit Charter School Foundation Board Member, Sarah Jennings.
While raising money for the school is the primary focus of the event, the Summit Charter School Foundation is dedicated to “spreading the holiday spirit of giving” – when a nonprofit decorates a tree, wreath, or gift basket, 80% of the item’s proceeds will go back to the participating nonprofit. This percentage has increased significantly from the inaugural event in 2021.
“Last year, each nonprofit received 20% of their auction item proceeds. This year, we are thrilled to increase the amount to 80%, expanding our impact on worthy causes across the plateau. Supporting our entire community is very important to our cause and the school’s overall mission,” explains Sarah Jennings, co-chair.
A sampling of the charities coming involved include the Camp Merrie-Woode Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, The Bascom, Cashiers Historical Society, and The Village Green. Some of the businesses involved include Zoller Hardware, Oakleaf, Cashiers Quilters, Ingles Markets, Viking, Hasbro, Crawford Construction, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Cashiers Firewood, Cashiers Farmers Market, and McKee Properties.
“We have a lot of surprises in store for year two. Due to demand from our guests that attended last year, we are significantly expanding our retail offerings in the Gift Zone. We hope you mark your calendar for the events and join us. Simply tour the winter wonderland or have fun shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts while giving back,” concludes Jennings.
There are various ways to get involved with the Cashiers Festival of Trees. You can volunteer, become a benefactor or corporate sponsor, donate holiday décor, or submit a tree, wreath, or gift basket for the silent auction. Those interested in joining the festive fun may visit summitschool.org or contact Melissa Hudson at 828-743-5755 and mhudson@summitschool.org.
More on Radney Foster, Honorary Guest at Toast to the Trees
“For You To See The Stars” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Southeastern Heat Seekers sales Chart for all genres
“For You To See The Stars” was a Top 15 Americana airplay Album
After 30 years in the music business, Radney Foster knows his way around the stage. Whether slinging electric guitar in front of his full band, or picking an intimate acoustic show, Foster has an uncanny knack to connect with an audience. With numerous number one hits to choose from, his shows are a perfect blend of new treasures and beloved classics.
2018 saw Foster expand his storytelling to short fiction, and his shows often incorporate passages from his book—enthralling listeners from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to Gruene Hall. “You just gotta know when to read, and when to just shut up and sing,” laughs Foster.
About the Summit Charter School Foundation
The Summit Charter School Foundation raises vital funds to support Summit Charter School, a tuition-free K-12 public charter school in the beautiful mountains of Cashiers, N.C.
Summit’s mission is to engage students in learning experiences that stimulate discovery, inspire excellence, and nurture a positive influence in an ever-changing world. The school’s primary goals are to graduate students who are academically prepared, engaged in the community, and strong in character. A picturesque 33-acre campus and state-of-the art facilities provide an ideal setting for teachers and students to embrace high expectations, build meaningful relationships, and practice the seven virtues that comprise the Summit Pledge: “Each day in my words and my deeds, I will do my best to live these seven virtues: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, and Giving.”
For the upcoming school year, Summit will serve 293 students and 45 faculty and staff. The student population represents five counties in western North Carolina. To learn more, please visit www.summitschool.org or call 828-743-5755.