The Spirit of Giving: Marini Farm Hosts Tree Jubilee for The Ipswich Humane Group

Most Creative/Unique Tree - Gold Award: Ipswich Clambake

In a room filled with community spirit and joy, more than 50 local businesses, organizations and families gathered at Marini Farm’s large greenhouse December 4 to donate and decorate trees and wreaths on behalf the Ipswich Humane Group, Inc.’s annual Tree Jubilee Fundraiser.

From gorgeous glittery trees, elegant bonsais, crafty wreaths, and classic designs of simple beauty, the room oozed with creativity.  Local interior designers, greenhouses and landscapers displayed their own unique professional touches.

The panel of judges who viewed the donors’ entries and selected the winners included Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas, local artist Susan Burton, and Ipswich Selectman Patrick McNally.  The winners were: 

Best of Show Tree: The Parks Family
Best of Show Wreath: The Clambox

Best Professional Tree: Corliss Brothers
Best Professional Wreath:  Gordon’s Florist

Most Creative/Unique Tree
Gold: Ipswich Clambake
Silver: Ipswich Ale Brewery/Mercury Brewing
Bronze: Best Scentsy Wickless Candles

Most Creative/Unique Wreath
Gold: The Thompson Family
Silver: The Best Family
Bronze: Ipswich Shellfish 

Honorable Mention:
Time & Tide Fine Art
The Halliday Family

Then on December 7, 8, 9, 14, and 15, the public was invited to tour the gallery of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, and purchase raffle tickets for a chance of winning their favorite tree.  For $5, participants were given 10 chances to win a tree or wreath, and for $10, they had 20 chances to take home a uniquely decorated item.

“Seeing the Marini Farm greenhouse alive with so much creativity, along with so many people coming forth to support the good cause of the Ipswich Humane Group, truly makes this season so special for us,” said Mike Marini.  “Contributing to community has always been part of our mission as third-generation farmers.”

On December 16, the raffles were drawn, and the 50-plus winners were called to pick up their trees and wreaths, with all the accompaniments.

As a result, $4,391 was raised, with more than double the number of donated trees and wreaths over last year. Additionally, viewings for the decorated items took place over two weekends this year, versus only a Friday night and all day Saturday last year. One hundred percent of all proceeds of the event will go directly to helping take care of the animals - including all veterinary bills and food - until they find “a forever home.”

Last year, the Tree Jubilee, also hosted by Marini Farm, raised $2,747 and had 23 donators. 

“The Ipswich Humane Group can't thank the Marinis enough for all they do to help our group and the stray and homeless animals that come through the Ipswich Animal Shelter,” said Heidi Best, president of Ipswich Humane Group. “In the last few years, the Marinis have been instrumental in our fundraising efforts through their Doggy Maze Day and the Tree Jubilee which have now become annual events. The donation of their greenhouse PLUS electricity, heat and so much more makes this all possible so 100 percent of all the donations go to the animals.”

Next year, the Ipswich Humane Group would like to increase the competition for the Tree Jubilee by inviting all veterinary hospitals and animal-related businesses to compete against each other for the most "creative" tree, Best noted.  Additionally, the organization would like to invite competitions between liquor companies and professional florists/garden centers to add to the great viewing of trees and wreaths.

“Thank you to all who attended plus congratulations to all the winners!  We hope to see you all next year,” Best remarked.  “Thank you again Mike and Kim Marini for all you and your family do to help the shelter pets."

With the Tree Jubilee expecting to return next year bigger than ever, start percolating your decorating ideas now. 

To joyfully giving back on behalf of the The Ipswich Humane Group,

Mike Marini and the Marini Farm Family 

Written by BloggerPros.