SAN DIEGO — The 'Feztival of Trees' runs from now until November 24th.
Your family could win a holiday tree and all the presents underneath it for $1.
In this Zevely Zone, I visited the holiday fundraiser at the Al Bahr Shrine in Kearny Mesa.
I know what you're thinking: it's too soon for a holiday tree and presents, but some gifts must be unwrapped immediately.
The 'Feztival of Trees' is a one-stop shop for a good cause. The Al Bahr Shrine has an offer your holiday heart can't refuse.
As donors enter their building, they are met with nearly twenty-holiday trees with presents already underneath them. Shriner Rick Carlson says that from November 19-24, the trees and the presents under them are yours to take if you win their drawing.
"There is some good stuff down there. There's a BBQ grill, there's a fireplace in one, and we've got 40-inch TVs," said Rick. "What we are looking at here is probably fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars' worth of presents."
Someone can win all of it for a $1 drawing ticket. "I hope they knock our doors down," said Rick.
Admission to the Al Bahr Shrine is $5, and families can buy as many $1 tickets as they like. Families can then peruse their favorite tree and presents, and when they see a collection they like, they put their ticket in the container in front of it. The winning tickets will be drawn on November 24.
Last year, the McCabe family won not one but two trees.
"I was shocked because we don't win anything ever," said Heather McCabe. "It's a Christmas miracle."
Heather was born in Siberia and adopted by Cora Curry at three years old. "She could not walk; she was so malnourished," said Cora. "Oh, I get emotional." When Heather was having trouble walking, the Shriners helped.
"Seeing the changes that we make in others is addictive," said lead Shriner Anthony McClean.
McLean told me about a burned child who changed his heart forever.
"To see the joy in his eyes, to be treated like a regular kid, to be treated with respect, and what we did for him changed his life and saved his life, that's what makes me do this," said Anthony.
All of it to help children in need.
"That is our main purpose," said Rick.
Volunteers drive sick and burned children from Tijuana to Shriners Hospital in Pasadena. All medical care for the kids is free.
"It's all free," said Rick. "We love helping the kids. That is how this thing all got started. It really makes you feel good to help people, and we have fun doing it."
You provide the donations; they make the kids smile. So now you understand why it's never too early for holiday spirit. Admission is five dollars, and participants can enter the drawing with as many one-dollar tickets as they like. Santa Claus will be at the event, and everyone will have free hot chocolate and snacks.
The Feztival of Trees runs from November 19 to 24. On those dates, you can visit Al Bahr Shrine between 3 and 8 p.m. On November 24th, the trees will be given away. Al Bahr Shrine is located at 5440 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego. For more information, call 858-292-0092.