For the second consecutive holiday season, Citizens Energy Group is a sponsor of the Festival of Trees at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.
The event features 50 trees, elaborately decorated by individuals, families, and organizations across the state.
A small group of employees, organized through the Corporate Sponsorship/Philanthropy Team, developed the theme and design of Citizens’ tree.
This year, our tree promotes the 10 Thousand Trees initiative, a partnership with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. Our design shows how a tree absorbs rainwater and prevents it from entering sewers and causing sewer overflows. The planting of 10 thousand trees will prevent up to six million gallons of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from entering our area waterways every year! This program supports Citizens’ DigIndy Tunnel System project that will nearly eliminate CSOs to area rivers and streams by the year 2025.
Elements of the Tree
- The cotton cloud above the tree shows rainwater, represented by blue bulbs, falling from the sky.
- The bulbs fade to green and into the tree as they cascade down, to illustrate how trees soak up rainwater.
- Near the trunk are 100 miniature trees that each represents 100 more trees. This equates to the total number of trees that will have been planted by the time the 10 Thousand Trees program is complete.
- The base of our tree gives viewers a look underground. The PVC pipes symbolize the sewer system, which operates more efficiently as more trees are planted and absorb water.
Through January 9, you can see all the trees online through a new virtual experience using 360-degree viewing technology at https://indianahistory.org/festival_of_trees/.
You also can see the trees in person by visiting the History Center (450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis) which is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 12-5 p.m., but you must reserve tickets online. Citizens employees can get free tickets by using promo code “Citizens” at https://bit.ly/FOTsponsortix.
Citizens’ support of this event helps the Indiana Historical Society continue its mission of collecting and preserving Indiana’s history, supporting local museums, and providing teacher workshops and educational opportunities. In addition, the event supports the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
Snap a picture of yourself looking at Citizens’ tree and use hashtag #CitizensForGood on social media to help us showcase how we support our community.
And, be sure to vote for Citizens' tree as your favorite!
The Corporate Sponsorship/Philanthropy Team evaluates requests for financial contributions based on six primary giving categories: Economic Development, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Diversity & Inclusion, Cultural Institutions, and Basic Human Needs.
