Kansas Athletics Participates in the 25th Annual Festival of Trees

Dec. 1, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Kansas’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee got into the holiday spirit Sunday, Nov. 27, by decorating a special Jayhawk-themed Christmas tree for the 25th Anniversary Lawrence Festival of Trees. The Jayhawk tree, titled “I’m Dreaming of a National Championship”, was joined by 50 other trees donated by businesses, families, groups and clubs for the entire Lawrence community to enjoy. Historic Liberty Hall in downtown Lawrence is transformed into a winter wonderland for the Festival of Trees every year. This year’s Festival runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 1.

Student-athletes designed and decorated the Jayhawk tree, and coordinated donations from their coaches, teammates and alumni. The Jayhawk tree contained autographed basketballs from Kansas men’s basketball head coach Bill Self and Jayhawk women’s basketball head coach Bonnie Henrickson, an autographed helmet from KU football legend John Hadl, a commemorative floor piece of Allen Fieldhouse, golf balls, tennis balls, baseballs, softballs, pom poms and a tree skirt that featured a jersey from each of KU’s 18 sports. KU’s tree was auctioned off for $1,000.00 Tuesday night at the Festival of Trees gala at Liberty Hall.

“Decorating the tree for the festival was a great way to show our Jayhawk spirit while giving back to a larger cause this holiday season,” said Sarah Buschini, a junior on the KU Spirit Squad.

Lawrence’s Festival of Trees is an annual event that serves as the primary fundraiser for The Shelter, a non-profit organization providing emergency services for youth in the Lawrence community. This is the second year that Kansas Athletics has participated in the event. KU’s student-athletes regularly volunteer with the children that The Shelter serves. At the end of the festival, the trees are delivered to the buyers for their own display.