TORRINGTON – Gracie’s Promise, a nonprofit serving families whose children have medical problems and need financial support, will hold just one of its three usual fundraisers this year due to the pandemic: the Festival of Trees.
Usually held in Platte Valley Bank’s community room, the festival will now be held in various locations throughout Torrington. Trees will be located in 25 businesses, and those interested will have the opportunity to bid on them.
Olson Tire Co. already decorated their tree with money and lottery tickets. Manager Michael Deen said he hopes people bid on his tree, not only for the chance to win some cash, but also to help the cause.
“People in this community usually come together to donate a lot to this good cause,” Deen said.
The Gracie’s Promise Christmas Trail will be up from Nov. 21 through Dec. 7.
Gracie’s Promise board member Mary Houser said the organization has helped more than 90 families over roughly 10 years, 17 of whom are currently active and seeking assistance.
“We really need to keep at it every way possible,” Houser said.
Gracie’s Promise is a 501(c)(3) established in 2009 in honor of Gracie Claborn, who was diagnosed with a lung tumor and leukemia at 11 months old. Claborn is now healthy and happy, but the organization still sets out to “give financial assistance to families with children, under 18 years of age, battling catastrophic medical circumstances,” according to their website.
“In rural regions, families often must travel long distances for multiple treatments at large urban hospitals for care following diagnosis of severe illness or disabling accidents,” the website says. “This places extreme negative stress on work schedules, finances, and the emotional and spiritual well-being of the entire family.”
