Festival of Trees donates $12,000 for Braintree holiday lights; council accepts same-night gift

Organizers of Braintree's Festival of Trees told the council the event grew substantially in its second year and asked the council to accept a same-night donation of $12,000 to fund town holiday lights. The council unanimously approved the gift under M.G.L. c.44, s.53A.

Festival organizer Biz English said the event increased tree participation by about 20 percent and hosted 200 adult-night ticket sales; she thanked volunteers, first responders and local businesses. "Our tree numbers went up by 20%," she said.

The council moved and seconded acceptance of the donation; the motion passed unanimously. The funds were described on the floor as "Donor: Festival of Trees; gift dollars: $12,000; purpose: town Christmas lights." The acceptance was done with same-night action authorized by statute.