Building Homes for Heroes Wins Festival of Trees Prize

It's a repeat! Building Homes for Heroes took home Best of Show for the second year in a row at the 6th annual Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard with their military themed Christmas Tree, complete with small wooden houses and flags. The design earned Building Homes for Heroes $2,500, aiding in their mission to build homes for returning disabled veterans. 
 
For the first time ever, there was a tie for second place with Heart Animal Rescue and Emerald Coast Theatre Company each winning $1,250 for their organizations. The Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast won the People’s Choice Award and received $2,000.
 
Eight area business leaders and media representatives judged the trees based on visual impact, creativity, how the decorations reflect the non-profit's mission and overall impression. Keeping with the Festival of Trees tradition, the charities use creativity to shine a light on their respective causes.
 
Festival of Trees is a decorating contest held annually at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard, showcasing uniquely decorated Christmas trees from area non-profit organizations. The trees debut the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and remain in the park through Christmas for the public to enjoy and learn more about their missions.
 
Groups that participated in the 2015 Festival of Trees include: Building Homes for Heroes, Emerald Coast Relay for Life, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Children in Crisis, Junior League of the Emerald Coast, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Alaqua Animal Refuge, The ARC of Walton County, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast and Heart Animal Rescue and The ARC of the Emerald Coast (formerly Horizons).

 
Grand Boulevard is the shop, dine, play and stay Town Center in SoWal. The lifestyle center provides convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging. Grand Park is a relaxing, central green space for the community. A distinctive water feature can be found at the east end of Grand Park, a beautiful visual representation of the ever-changing tides of the nearby Gulf of Mexico. For more information visit http://grandboulevard.com/. Follow Grand Boulevard on Facebook for news and events.