Brittany’s Trees was founded by Jim Guthrie ’88 in 2005 in the memory of Brittany Valene. Brittany passed away at 8 years old of Long QT Syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially cause fast and chaotic heart beats. To raise money for the Sudden Arrythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) Foundation and to honor Brittany, friends and neighbors of Brittany display lighted Christmas trees throughout her neighborhood in Carol Stream and the surrounding areas including Addison, Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove, Lombard, Naperville and more. The first year 22 trees were displayed. Now there are almost 2,000 trees displayed.
There are several ways to participate in Brittany’s Trees. You can purchase a tree to be delivered in late November, set up in your front yard and taken down in January. You can purchase a 2021 Brittany’s Trees winter blue event shirt. You can donate to the SADS Foundation through Brittany’s Trees. You can help with delivery, set-up and decorating of the trees and/or spread the word about this worthy organization.
Please visit www.brittanys-trees.com to learn more information, order a tree or donate.
Nancy Kuster Economou '84, Founder
For more information on Watts of Love's mission, visit them online.
