Big crowds come out to support Pathway Services, Inc.
By Ben Cox
Photos/Ben Cox
Pathway Services’ annual Festival of Trees drew a lively crowd Saturday, November 22, as the organization hosted its largest fundraiser of the year at its facility at 1905 West Morton Ave. in Jacksonville.
The one-day event, held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with a tree and wreath auction at 7 p.m., blended holiday fun with meaningful community engagement—something executive director Ryan Dowd says makes the day special for both supporters and staff.
Visitors were greeted with a bustling scene as families filtered in to admire more than 30 decorated Christmas trees, along with an array of wreaths and handmade centerpieces. Holiday treats were available for purchase, and children enjoyed festive activities and a chance to shop at The Attic, Pathway’s resale store.
“We just had a stampede of people coming through the door, which is great,” Dowd says with a smile. “This year’s turnout has been fantastic.”
One of the biggest draws of the 2025 festival was an expanded “Santa Room.” While Santa and friends appeared last year, this year’s lineup featured Jack Frost and popular characters Anna and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen,” delighting children from 1-3 p.m. “Kids really seem to like that,” Dowd says. “The biggest change this year would be who all we’ve got in the Santa Room now.”
Musical entertainment added to the festive atmosphere when the Jacksonville Middle School Choir performed from 10-10:45 a.m., helping draw even more visitors through the doors. “We’ve always had entertainment, but having the JMS Choir is fantastic,” Dowd says. “I think that’s helping get some people in.”
While the Festival of Trees is a beloved holiday tradition, it also serves a vital purpose. As Pathway’s largest fundraiser of the year, proceeds support the organization’s programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities. But Dowd emphasized that the event is about more than dollars—it is about connection.
“We look at it both as a fundraiser and a ‘fun-raiser,’” he shares. “It brings so many new people into the building who might not know what we do. It’s a chance for them to go through our building, talk to our staff and learn more about how we support the community.”
According to Dowd, the positive community response has a powerful impact on the people who work at Pathway. “Our staff come to us because they love what they do. They have a heart for it,” he says. “When they see days like today and how much the community supports Pathway, it strengthens their belief that what they do is making a difference.”
With strong attendance, enthusiastic families and a successful auction rounding out the evening, this year’s Festival of Trees showcased not only the spirit of the season, but also the spirit of giving and community that defines Pathway Services year-round.
