Rachel Gaudiosi has been picking out her Christmas tree at
the United Cerebral Palsy’s Festival of Trees for over 22 years.

But this year, instead of a traditionally decorated tree, she wanted to shake things up a little. “For years I would just pick out a beautifully decorated tree,” she said. “I basically bought from the same designer so many times that we became friends.”

Instead of sticking to the same theme of ribbons and ornaments, Gaudiosi, who lives in Massapequa, decided to give a technology –themed tree a chance. Earlier this month, she paid $1900 for the Patch-donated tree stocked with enough electronics and gadgets to fill a tech-lovers dream.

The tree came with an Apple I-Pod touch, I-Pad, Toshiba laptop, a printer and headphones to name a few of the items.  Gaudiosi said she purchased the tree outright for the asking for price instead of bidding for it at the silent auction.

 “We participate every year and try to make it a family thing.  I knew it was going to be an electronic year for the grandkids anyway,” she said.  “All the proceeds are all going towards charity anyway and I felt it was great that Patch donated to such a great organization.”

The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County has held the Festival of Trees for 22 years. The event is designed to have members of the community come out and bid or purchase decorated Christmas trees with the proceeds going completely to UCPN. The trees are decorated and donated by several local businesses and members of the community.

Pat Quinn, director of Community Outreach at the organization, said she appreciates Gaudiosi’s participation and looks to her as
an invaluable asset every year to the group. “She’s been coming to the
[Festival of Trees] since the beginning,” Quinn said. “We love Rachel.”

Gaudiosi has been a volunteer with the United Cerebral Palsy
for over 35 years. She started Teens for CP, 23 years ago, while her own two daughters were teenagers and said her two of her grand-daughters have taken a strong interest in participating in the group.  

“It’s turned into a family affair,” she said. “My two girls have been really involved since they were younger and now their girls are really into it.” Gaudiosi said she hopes to see all five her grandchildren ranging in ages 2-10 actively involved in United Cerebral Palsy. “I love [UCP]. It really is such a great organization with the way they help people and really treat people with respect,” Gaudiosi said. “I feel truly blessed that I can help out and have my grandkids wanting to help out too. That’s truly a blessing.”