With the arrival of the new year, Rossi Auto Group, Abilities of Northwest Jersey (Abilities), and Warren County Habitat for Humanity (Warren County Habitat), proudly reflect on the success of their 15^th Annual Festival of Trees, held on December 12^th, 2024. Guests gathered from near and far to get into the holiday spirit, reconnect with friends and colleagues, and support these transformative organizations in their mission to serve the Warren County community.

For the 15th Anniversary, the Rossi Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram facility was transformed into a winter wonderland. The night began with a wonderful performance from the Abilities Rock Stars. Later in the evening, Santa came to spread some cheer. Over 80 trees were spread throughout, each meticulously decorated with a different theme. While enjoying holiday cheer with friends, the attendees voted on their favorite trees. This year’s winners were Mr. Ezio Rossi, AJH Construction, and Warren County Tech School. The organizations were overjoyed with this year’s success! Thanks to the generosity of 6 event sponsors, 80 tree sponsors, eleven wreath sponsors and 69 star sponsors, as well as attendees and voters, the event raised $90,000. 100% of the money will be divided between Abilities of Northwest Jersey and Warren County Habitat for Humanity.

Abilities is dedicated to inspiring people with disabilities to achieve their life goals by providing individualized supports. The funds raised from this year’s Festival of Trees will support their expansion into residential services at The Village at Hawk Pointe, providing state of the art assistive technology for residents, as well as 24-hour nursing care for those with medical needs.

“As an original and ongoing beneficiary of this event, Abilities has received over $275k to positively impact those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We are so grateful to the Rossi family and our community for supporting us as we enrich the lives of those we serve and expand services for those in need,” Cindy Wildermuth, Chief Executive Officer of Abilities shared.

Warren County Habitat has many plans for expanding their mission in 2025. Very shortly, they will be merging with Sussex County Habitat for Humanity to become Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey. This will allow the two affiliates to combine resources, opportunities for land acquisition, and impact even more families across the two counties in the future. Currently, the organization’s 26^th home is being constructed in Harmony Township, plans are in place to construct four duplexes in Franklin Township that will become home to eight different families, and land was recently acquired for a Habitat home in Wantage in Sussex County. The organization will continue providing affordable repairs through their Home Repair Program, impacting people of all ages through their Community Center events, and serving the community through two ReStore locations.

“As our organization grows exponentially, it’s more important than ever to have support from our community. We are so grateful for everyone who gave to this event, and who believes in our mission of building homes and hope in Warren County and beyond,” Ben Eskow, Executive Director of Warren County Habitat commented. “The teams at Rossi and Abilities are wonderful partners to work alongside, and we’re honored to have been given this amazing opportunity once again.”

The Festival of Trees team would also like to recognize the volunteers  from Ally, Valley Bank, State Farm, Morgan Properties, The Arc of Warren County, and WRNJ, along with many other individuals, for volunteering their time during the week of the event.

With this year’s funds, Rossi’s Festival of Trees has officially raised over half a million dollars for local non-profits since 2010. This could not have been possible without the donations and sponsorships from such a dedicated community. For more information about the event, please visit the website at www.RossiFestivalOfTrees.com. Mark your calendars: Rossi’s Festival of Trees will return on December 11, 2025.

About Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc.
Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people with disabilities to achieve their life goals by providing individualized supports. Incorporated in 1974, Abilities works diligently to create an inclusive community where individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in life. Visit our website at https://www.abilitiesnw.org/ or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/abilitiesnw/. 

About Warren County Habitat for Humanity
Warren County Habitat for Humanity is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International and has served Warren County since 1999. An accredited 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, Habitat’s mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. To learn more about Warren County Habitat or to donate, visit www.warrenhabitat.org.

About Rossi Auto Group
Operating since 1976, Rossi is proud to be the longest running family owned auto group operating in Warren County. Community support and customer satisfaction have always been our top priority. Having started as a Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge store on Route 31 in Washington, it has expanded over the years to now include two stores in Washington – Rossi GM and Rossi Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Between the stores there are 6 franchises – Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep &  Ram, as well a nice selection of pre-owned vehicles of all brands.  Visit www.rossichevroletgmc.com and www.rossicdjr.com for more information.