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Monday, September 1st, 2008Sacramento Association of REALTORS®
Celebrating 100 Years of Making Sacramento a Better Place to Call Home
26th Annual Christmas CanTree
“Can-Tennial”
WHAT IS CANTREE?
The Christmas CanTree is a canned food drive sponsored by the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® (SAR), which culminates in building of three giant trees made entirely from the donated food the project generates. Since 1983, SAR has collected over a million cans of food to feed Sacramento’s hungry citizens.
WHO BENEFITS?
Over 44,000 local families are expected to benefit from the food contributed through CanTree, according to The Salvation Army. The food donated will be distributed to needy families through The Salvation Army’s Holiday Food Basket Program. The Army currently serves 36,000 meals per month in the Greater Sacramento Area. It depends entirely on the community’s generosity to feed the hungry during the busy holiday season, and the CanTree is a critical factor in successfully feeding thousands of people at Christmas time. The Christmas CanTree Project routinely raises more than $100,000 per year.
WHO’S INVOLVED?
The Christmas CanTree is sponsored by SAR, but many organizations and individuals contribute to its success through donations of food, money, goods and services. SAR Members are encouraged to raise money through their own company efforts and fundraisers.
WHY IS THE SALVATION ARMY THE BENEFICIARY OF THE CANTREE?
The Salvation Army is a well-established community organization with over 120 years of service. The Army’s computerized application and review process is one of the most accurate in the area. This enables The Army to eliminate duplications and more fairly distribute food to the greatest number of needy people.
WHERE’S THE CANTREE BUILT?
The CanTree will be constructed at three locations: the Downtown Plaza, the Country Club Plaza and the Birdcage Center.
WHEN DOES IT ALL HAPPEN?
Community CanTree campaigns run from September through December 2008. SAR seeks help from corporations and businesses, large and small, throughout the summer and fall.
Schedule of CanTree Campaign and “CanTree Week”
September 9: Community Kickoff ceremony at SAR Auditorium (2003 Howe Avenue).
November 24: CanTree is built by a team of approximately 50 REALTORS® and Affiliates at the Downtown Plaza rotunda. Time: 7:00 – 10:00 a.m.
November 25: CanTree is built by a team of approximately 50 REALTORS® and Affiliates at the Country Club Plaza. Time: 7:00 – 11:00 a.m.
November 25: CanTree is built by a team of approximately 50 REALTORS® and Affiliates at the Marketplace at Birdcage. Time: 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
November 24/25 – December 29/30: The three CanTrees are on display at the three locations.
December 2: “CanTree Dedication” ceremony occurs at 9:00 a.m. The Tree is officially presented to the community and The Salvation Army by SAR. Many of Sacramento’s elected officials are present.
December 22: Salvation Army canned food distribution at CalExpo. REALTORS® may volunteer 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
December 29–30: CanTrees are dismantled and food is delivered to The Salvation Army’s distribution warehouse.
HOW CAN PEOPLE PARTICIPATE?
There are three ways to get involved:
- Individuals or businesses may bring canned food or cash donations to the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® at 2003 Howe Avenue during business hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) during the months of November and December. The types of food needed include vegetables, fruit, pasta, beans and soup.
- Individuals or businesses may mail a check for the purchase of food to: The Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, 2003 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825. Checks should be made payable to “Salvation Army”. All cash and check donations are used solely for the purchase of food.
- Individuals or businesses may donate items that can be used for raffles and for SAR’s silent auctions. Money is raised through the various SAR meetings that are held during the CanTree “season” and used for food purchase.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF CHRISTMAS CANTREE?
The 2008 goal for the Sacramento area is to collect as much money as possible. In the span of this project, SAR has raised more than $2 million for The Salvation Army. The ultimate goal of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® is to raise enough moneys each Christmas to supply The Salvation Army of Sacramento with food for the Holiday Food Basket Program.
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