In its annual effort to celebrate the Christmas season and raise funds for kids, Challenged Child and Friends is hosting its annual Festival of Trees charity auction Saturday, Dec. 5, in Gainesville.

The Festival of Trees will begin at 7 p.m. at the estate of Bobby and Red Buisson at 6354 JF Jay Road in Gainesville. A pre-party event, the Noel Party, will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets to the Noel Party are $150 per person and include admission into the gala. Tickets for the gala are $85 per person and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.challengedchild.org or at the door. If unable to attend, supporters of Challenged Child may participate in the online auction.

About 200 items will be auctioned off. They include the following categories: gifts for all, him, her and kids; getaways; art; wine and dine experiences; trees and wreaths; jewelry; and decor.

The Festival of Trees raises money to support early intervention programs and services for the Northeast Georgia community. With a 30-year history, Challenged Child and Friends has helped to improve lives of young children through educational, therapeutic, nursing and family support services.

A feature of the event is the Despy Foley Scholarship tree in memory of Despy Foley, a longstanding member of the event committee, who died after a battle with cancer in 2014. The tree promotes being “focused on the children” and offers options to donate to help with therapy, equipment and tuition.

For information, visit www.bidpal.net/festivaloftrees.