The holiday season has dawned upon Baltimore with the commencement of the Kennedy Krieger Institute's 36th annual Festival of Trees, a three-day extravaganza that kicked off the day after Thanksgiving. Held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, the festival is not only a staple of holiday festivities but also stands as a crucial fundraiser for the institute's myriad initiatives. According to a representative in an interview with WMAR-2 News, the event highlights the extensive work Kennedy Krieger does for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, with all proceeds channeling into clinical care, research, special education, and early childhood programs.
This year's festival dazzles with over 850 trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, each a testament to the community's creativity and generosity. As reported by CBS News, for some, like the Fruman family, the festival is a multi-generational family affair. Joyce Fruman, the family matriarch, expressed her awe at the institute's impact after touring its facilities, which catalyzed a decade-long commitment to supporting the festival and its cause. "We took a tour of Kennedy Krieger Institute — the whole facility — and it was an eye-opener," Joyce Fruman said, "How wonderful they are, how many people they help in this country, and especially in this area."
In a statement obtained by CBS News, Kevin Fruman, a stakeholder in the 106-year-old National Lumber, shared his perspective on the significance of local businesses rallying around a cause like Kennedy Krieger's. "And so, to see all these local businesses supporting Kennedy Krieger, that is a big part of it. It's not just about what we do day to day, it's about support. It's about being part of Baltimore and having people that live here and that we work with," he said, emphasizing the intertwining of business, community service, and local pride.
The Festival of Trees, which has raised over $24 million since its inception in 1990, serves as more than just a fundraiser; it's a tradition that engenders joy and the spirit of giving back. Anyone interested in witnessing this spectacle of holiday cheer or contributing to the Kennedy Krieger Institute's mission can still join the festivities through Sunday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.
