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The Board of the Idaho Falls Festival of Trees (FOT) made a heartwarming and record setting check of $83,000 to DWI this past Thursday.  FOT President Mike O'Bleness, along with dedicated Board members presented the check to a very grateful DWI CEO McKayla Matlack. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of the Greater Idaho Falls community.

DWI plans to allocate the funds towards procuring state-of-the-art equipment vital for vocational training, skill development, and recreational therapy.  Some of the items include accessible tables that will enable individuals with a wheelchair to participate more safely in activities, new therapy tables that will allow for improved functionality and safety, and updated manufacturing equipment that will empower more individuals with valuable vocational skills.

In addition, five community non-profits who also share in the mission of DWI serving individuals with a disability received grants for their impactful services.  Champ's Heart, Camp Hayden, Field of Angels Baseball, Bike for Kids and Explorer Post 559, Special Needs Troop for Adults were also in attendance to receive their grants.

Festival of Trees has been a community fundraiser for 58 years in the Idaho Falls area.  Initially begun in the 1960's as a fundraiser for the non-profit hospitals it evolved over time.  Once the new for-profit hospitals were established in the 80's, FOT chose DWI as the new non-profit to be the benefactor of this cherished event.

Across generations, families have embraced the Festival of Trees as a beloved tradition.  We truly thank the community and especially all the dedicated volunteers who make Festival of Trees a wonderful holiday event year after year.