26th Year of CanTree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20 2008

Starting at 7 a.m. Monday, Sacramento REALTORS® will begin building a giant “tree” of canned goods in the Downtown Plaza, marking the 26th year for the CanTree project.

Since 1983, SAR has raised more than $2 million for the Salvation Army of Sacramento through CanTree. “Trees” will also be constructed at Country Club Plaza and the Marketplace at Birdcage on Tuesday, November 25.

“The Christmas CanTree project is the Association’s largest community charity, and the Salvation Army’s single largest local fundraising event,” Alan Wagner, REALTOR and President of SAR, said. “Many in real estate are having a challenging year, but we know it is an even more challenging time for a lot of local residents. Enthusiasm is just as high as ever among REALTORS® working on CanTree this year.”

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 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.

Why the Salvation Army? “The Salvation Army is a well established community organization with over 120 years of service,” Wagner said. “The Army’s application and review process enables it to eliminate duplications and more fairly distribute food to the greatest number of needy people.”

The Christmas CanTree is a community-wide project sponsored by the SAR, but many organizations and individuals contribute to its success through donations of food, money, or goods and services. SAR Members raised money through their own company efforts and fundraisers.

Schedule
November 24: CanTree is built by a team of approximately 50 REALTORS® and Affiliates at the Downtown Plaza rotunda. (Near Macy’s Women’s Store and River City Brewing Company) 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 – 10:00 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.