Thousands of twinkling lights blend with every kind of imaginable ornament to create a magical symphony of holiday dcor the entire family can enjoy at the Festival of Trees in Pinehurst, from Wednesday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst.

In its 13th year, this annual fundraising extravaganza benefits the Sandhills Children's Center, a private, nonprofit day school program for young children birth through age 5 with and without developmental disabilities.

"This unique event displays beautifully designed and decorated artificial Christmas trees and wreaths, lifestyle vignettes, gift baskets, handcrafted tree skirts and a gingerbread village that will surely take your breath away and ignite the spirit of the holiday season," says a spokesman.

This year's wide array of trees and vignettes will appeal to the most diverse interests and tastes.

Designers include Diana Barton; Vicki Perry; Old Sport & Gallery; R.W. Goodman Co.; Pinehurst Resort; King's Gifts & Collectibles; Ladies of Pinewild; Sleep Well Mattress & Furniture, and many others.

One of the trees, decorated by The Fresh Market, will feature a collection of items all related to the state of North Carolina.

Also available for silent auction will be a tree decorated by Chip Best and his staff at the Outback Steakhouse that includes a catered meal for 50 people.

"You don't want to miss bidding on the family getaway to Orlando, Fla.," says the spokesman.

These one-of-a-kind designer creations will be available for viewing and can be silently bid upon or purchased at the "Buy It Now" price, Tuesday, Nov. 10, through Saturday, Nov. 15, when the bidding will close with a "fight to the finish."

Last year, more than 8,000 friends and neighbors enjoyed the excitement, netting the Children's Center more than $235,000.

This type of community support enables the center the opportunity to provide an intensive curriculum, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, class instruction by state certified educators, transportation, and meals to more than 400 children annually.

"Our goal for Festival 2009 is to have 10,000 guests visit this extraordinary community event, and we are asking everyone to invite their friends and neighbors to attend," says Teresa Copper, special events coordinator.

This year's Festival is guided by the dedicated planning committee of Kelly Altman; Dana Barnes; Molli Beeson; Louise Burton; Amy Butters; Tommy Dowdy; Tina Fasolak; Alison Halbert; Liz Koehler; Laura Lang; Marie Lewis; Jan Liverman; Lynn Melton; Julie Moore; Nancy Oakley; Bonnie Parker; Erin ReVille; Lindsay Riney; and Natalie Whaley.

Chairs for this year's event, Mollie Beeson and Bonnie Parker, have been working since January to coordinate this ever evolving fundraiser to attract more than 200 designers, 100 sponsors and dozens of volunteers.

When asked what their goal is for this year's festival, the planners say, "With the support of the guests who attend festival, thousands will be able to tell the story of the special children who are served by Sandhills Children's Center. Proceeds received through Festival of Trees will provide the children with opportunities to achieve their greatest potential before entering kindergarten."

For information, contact Kathy Desmond or Teresa Copper at (910) 692-3323 or visit www.festivaloftrees.org.