LAS VEGAS - Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN), the leading nonprofit organization and primary source of education, information, and support for Southern Nevada families affected by Down syndrome, has partnered with the Collaboration Center Foundation, a nonprofit disability resource network and community for achievement and inclusion focused on providing family and peer engagement, social interaction, recreation, therapy and education to individuals and families living with all special needs, jointly announce that the 32nd Annual Festival of Trees and Lights™ family viewing nights and VIP Celebration event will be postponed to Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 10 respectively at Collaboration Center Las Vegas (LV) Ranch, located at 8390 W Windmill Lane. This postponement is directly due to the recommendations of Governor Steve Sisolak and the State of Nevada for residents to stay at home for two weeks to help curb the recent spikes in COVID-19 within the state.

“While we are disheartened to postpone this event, we are all in this fight against COVID together and stand behind our governor’s recommendation of ‘Stay at Home 2.0’ per his address Tuesday evening,” says Lynda Tache, CEO of Collaboration Center Foundation. “We hope that guests looking forward to the in-person experience will get in the holiday spirit at the LV Ranch after the Thanksgiving holiday and know that the celebration of the Festival of Trees and Lights will be just as beautiful online or in early December.” 

The Festival of Trees and Lights online auction and preview will launch virtually on Saturday, Nov. 14 giving the public the opportunity to view and start bids on the exquisite trees, wreaths and gifts showcased at the annual event. Guests who wish to visit the trees in person can get into the holiday spirit beginning Dec. 4. For anyone with a winning bid for trees, they can opt to have them delivered Dec. 11-13. Any guests or sponsors who have already purchased tickets to the family viewing nights or VIP event will be notified to reschedule to one of the new dates. All new dates are dependent upon all ongoing COVID-19 Nevada regulations and are subject to change. 

“The health and safety of our fellow Nevadans, especially those with Down syndrome or other disabilities, is extremely important with COVID still around,” says Jeffrey Grassi, acting Executive Director and Board Chairman of DSOSN. “Even though we are postponing the in-person components of this year’s Festival of Trees and Lights, the public can still participate virtually with our extended online auction beginning Nov. 14.”

As a community collaboration event, proceeds raised from the Festival of Trees and Lights will remain local and benefit both organizations, allowing them to continue servicing individuals and families with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

To participate in the online auction starting Nov. 14, visit www.fotl.givesmart.com. Socially distanced, in-person family viewing nights are by reservation only Dec. 4-6 from 4-8:30 p.m. These public evenings are available by ticketed-reservation only for one-hour time slots and are limited to 35 guests per hour. Adhering to social distancing guidelines and Nevada’s mask mandate, guests will be able to explore the LV Ranch grounds, view and bid on the online auction items on display, and enjoy treats and various photo opportunities. Individual tickets for family viewing nights are available for $10 or $30 for a family of five. The VIP event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 6-8:30 p.m., tickets are $250 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To make reservations, become a sponsor or for more information about the Festival of Trees and Lights, please visit https://www.dsosn.org/festival-of-trees-and-lights or www.collablv.org.

About Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada

Founded in 1987, Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is the leading nonprofit organization and primary source of education, information, and support for Southern Nevada families affected by Trisomy-21, more commonly known as Down syndrome. DSOSN provides a variety of services for children, teens and adults with Down syndrome including: educational and recreational programs, developmental and speech therapy, sign language, advocacy outreach, member socials, support groups, and resources. DSOSN is affiliated with the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), and Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA); and is a proud member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce with profiles on Great Nonprofits, GuideStar, and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

For more information call (702) 648-1990, visit www.DSOSN.org, or follow @DownSyndromeSNV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About Collaboration Center Foundation

The Collaboration Center Foundation is a community for inclusion, focused upon family and peer engagement, social interaction, recreation, therapy and education. The Collaboration Center Foundation assists individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages. Their core concept, Pathways, helps disabled individuals and their families access care and support systems through a unique, concierge case management approach. 2021 will see the foundation’s campus come to life where they can engage with therapy, support, peer groups, family support, recreation and more, all under one roof.

For Collaboration Center Foundation information, call (702) 329-3208 visit www.collablv.org, or on social media @collaborationlv.