In 1984 the Festival of Trees and Lights made its debut in Des Moines, and since that time families and friends of all ages have eagerly awaited this fun-filled event to kick-off the holiday season. With beautifully decorated trees, a fun-filled children's area, great shopping, food, entertainment and special events, "Festival" has become a central Iowa tradition.

The Festival has three purposes:

1. To develop support and community appreciation of Blank Children's Hospital through a community - wide holiday event.
2. To promote community volunteerism in support of Blank Children's Hospital.
3. To provide revenue to support the Child Life and Advocacy & Outreach programs at Blank Children's Hospital.

Both the Child Life and Advocacy & Outreach programs are provided to everyone at no cost, and no one is ever turned away for any reason. That is why community support of Festival is so important. Festival revenue helps ensure these important services are available to all children, including the nearly 40 percent of young patients who are either uninsured or underinsured.

In its 24-year history, the Festival of Trees & Lights has provided more than $4.6 million in financial aid for child care, special programs and projects to serve the unique needs of children as well as with important diagnostic tools and equipment especially for children and their families. Approximately 635,000 visitors have enjoyed the beautiful trees and dazzling light displays.

The Festival of Trees & Lights is a volunteer supported event. Hundreds of volunteers are needed during the time the Festival is open to the public. In addition, a steering committee of more than 40 volunteers is busy planning almost year round.