The Festival of Trees continues in loving memory of Mr. Bill Towers

DENTON - Every December, the Towers Family Historical Museum comes alive with the glow of Christmas trees and the spirit of community. The Festival of Trees is more than just an event—it is a symbol of generosity and tradition.. And at the heart of it all was Mr. Bill Towers.

The Festival of Trees is one of Compass Hospice’s biggest events, raising tens of thousands of dollars for hospice care. Since 2017, the Towers family has graciously hosted it at the Towers Family Historical Museum beside their home in Hobbs—and this year, the tradition continues in honor of Mr. Bill and his family.

The Festival of Trees was Mr. Bill’s favorite time of year. In honor of his memory, Compass and the Towers family are committed to continuing the event, striving to make it bigger and more successful each year. When asked what inspired their support, Mrs. Gail Towers shared: “we always thought hospice was such a needed service to those going through a difficult time. They provide caring, compassionate support to both patients and their family. Last May we experienced this support personally when Bill was in hospice care. We were thankful for their support and care as we went through Bill’s final days here at home.”

Those who knew Mr. Bill will tell you he was one of the most giving people they’d ever met. “Mr. Bill was one of the most giving people I have known. He always was willing to help anyone, and I do mean anyone,” says Connie Hutson. For him, doing good was simply the right thing to do. “He never wanted any recognition,” Dave Whaley recalled. “He just wanted the Festival to succeed—for Compass Hospice, and for the people it served.” Melanie McMahan continued, “Mr. Bill was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened. Hospice was very near and dear to his heart and he made sure everyone knew that! He was a very humble man; most of us have no idea what he has done to help our community. And that’s just the way he wanted it!”

One thing everyone knew was that he wanted the Festival of Trees to continue. “Dave and I have agreed that retirement from this event is nearly impossible now, and we will be sure to continue to make Mr. Bill proud by making this event as successful as we can in the future!” says Melanie.

Each year, as the trees began to arrive, Mr. Bill and his beloved wife, Gail, would light up with excitement. “You know next year we’re going to have twenty-five more trees!” he’d say—half a joke, half a promise, shares Dave. The Festival was their shared passion—a celebration of life and giving back. Their museum became a place where the community gathered not just to admire the trees, but to feel the spirit of hope that Mr. Bill and Mrs. Gail created year after year.

“The beauty of the trees and the joy of meeting the many folks who come to put them up, and to enjoy seeing those who come to enjoy the trees and bid on them, is my favorite part,” says Mrs. Gail Towers. “Bill always enjoyed the frenzy of the bidding on Sunday evening!” Melanie continues, saying she will miss the friendly competition of the auction closing. “You never wanted Mr. Bill or Mrs. Gail to know what you had your eye on, because they would make sure that item raised A LOT of money!”

“Honestly,” said Dave Whaley, “we couldn’t have grown where we are today without the Towers family. Mr. Bill was the keystone—his support and generosity were the foundation for everything. He didn’t do it for a pat on the back. He did it because it was right.”
The Towers family’s unwavering support of Compass Hospice has touched countless lives. Their hospitality turned their property and museum into a beacon of community giving—raising funds for hospice care, supportive care, and grief services across Caroline County. Because of people like Mr. Bill, those in need receive comfort, dignity, and compassion when they need it most. “I am truly honored to have known him and to have experienced his love and generosity towards our community in Caroline County. This is our signature fundraising event in Caroline County along with the car show they have done for years. It is because of donors like them that we can provide the care and services we do for so many residents,” Heather Guereri, CEO of Compass, states.

Even now, his spirit shines through in the laughter of the volunteers and committee members, the sparkle of each tree light, and the smiles of those who attend. When challenges arise, those who knew him often pause and think, “What would Mr. Bill have done?”
The answer, always, is simple: he would have given. Quietly. Kindly. Completely.

Mr. Bill Towers left behind more than a legacy—he left a blueprint for kindness. His generosity continues through the Festival of Trees, which has become a beloved tradition, growing each year as the community gathers to celebrate and give, just as he taught them to. “We’ve had so much fun raising money for Compass throughout the years with the Towers family, and Dave and I vow to continue this tradition in memory of Mr. Bill!” says Melanie.

“If there were more people like Bill Towers, the world would be a better place,” says Dave. “Mr. Bill will live forever in my heart and the hearts of many, many people, and I know I am a better person because of him and his giving, caring, and kindness. God truly has another ‘Angel’ in his realm,” Connie continues.

Mrs. Gail believes he would want to be remembered as a man of great faith who enjoyed helping others and his community in his quiet way. And that is exactly how he will be remembered—through the Festival of Trees, a tradition that continues to shine with his spirit of generosity, faith, and love for his community.

The Festival of Trees will be held December 5^th–7^th at the Towers Family Historical Museum in Denton. What began as a display of John Deere tractors has grown into a remarkable showcase of Caroline County’s agricultural heritage and the area’s past businessmen. A Caroline County resident shared, “If you haven’t been in person yet, the museum is quite the passion project. It’s obviously got an impressive collection of old John Deere tractors, but my personal favorite parts are the spaces where he transformed the building into historical replicas of life-size scenery.”

This year’s Festival will include a special remembrance of Mr. Bill—celebrating his life, his kindness, and the lasting legacy he built within the community he loved so dearly.

The event will begin with the Preview Party, a ticketed evening, on Thursday, December 5^th, from 6–9 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and include beer, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Guests will enjoy a festive evening to kick off the holiday season, with first access to the tree bidding opportunities.

Trees will be open for public viewing on Saturday, December 6^th, from 12–5 p.m., and again on Sunday, December 7^th, from 12–3 p.m. Bring the whole family to celebrate the season, support a wonderful cause, and honor the memory of Mr. Bill. Admission is free.

Compass is currently seeking sponsors to help ensure the continued success of this cherished Caroline County tradition. In addition to general sponsorships, there are opportunities to become tree sponsors—individuals, organizations, companies, or community groups can donate a decorated artificial tree or wreath to be auctioned for the cause.

As we gather among the festive trees and the beauty the historic museum creates this holiday season, we invite everyone to remember and honor Mr. Bill Towers—a man whose generosity, faith, and dedication continue to inspire the community he loved so deeply.

For more information about the event, sponsorships, or becoming a tree sponsor, please contact Victoria Corcoran at 443-262-4106 or vcorcoran@compassregionalhospice.org.
 
Media Contact:
Hayley Greenwood, Media and Communications Specialist
443-262-4100, ext. 177
hgreenwood@compassregionalhospice.org