Gayle Kelly is a mother of four, a wife, a teacher, a coach, a marathoner, an evangelist, a volunteer and, for the second straight year, co-chairwoman with her husband of the 18th annual Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Festival of the Trees.
Notable in her own right, she is married to Frank Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Hunt Valley’s Kelly and Associates Insurance Group, which is a festival sponsor. Gayle Kelly helped attract the 110 specialty vendors who will display their holiday wares at the annual attraction of 500 decorated trees, gingerbread houses, train courses and pony rides.
Staged at the Timonium Fairgrounds Nov. 28-30, the 140,000-square-foot festival will benefit the research, care and educational work of the landmark Baltimore institute that specializes in children’s brain, spinal cord and developmental disorders. For information, visit www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.
In the current economic climate, the Festival of the Trees fundraiser may be more important than ever. Do you have any projections on what the event may bring in?
One projection I can make is that, regardless of what is happening outside, the Festival of the Trees, the minute you walk in, the worries of the world will melt away. You’ll be transported by the spectacular sight of decorated trees, craft boutiques, gingerbread houses, a Santa’s workshop and other attractions. In fact, if Santa had a theme park, it would be the Festival of the Trees. Last year, the event brought in $850,000 and attracted 35,000 visitors. This year our goal is to raise $900,000.
How big a part does your religious faith play in your charitable work?
My faith truly dictates all that I do. I try to see people and events the way God would want us to see them, and I try very much to use the gifts that God has given me to help in any way, shape or form.
What do you personally get out of all your volunteer work?
I get the satisfaction of being involved with the community. You always get a lot more out of volunteering than you put in.
Is you work for Kennedy Krieger a natural outgrowth of your love for children?
My connection with Kennedy Krieger came through a very dear friend. She has an adorable son, who has autism and who has had the benefit of some of Kennedy Krieger’s services. I have four healthy children, whom I am very grateful for. But seeing what my friend’s son has been through prompted my heart to do something to honor him and to honor his family.
You and your husband are co-chairs of the festival. How much time did you put into this?
It’s hard to tell. It’s the kind of event that’s always in the back of your mind. You’re always looking for ways to connect people and organizations to the event. Immediately after last year’s festival, we started planning this one by meeting monthly — just making the phone calls, making the contacts and trying to drum up support. Then [meetings] went to twice a month. Kennedy Krieger, however, has a sensational full-time staff that oversees every detail. They’ve done a terrific job.
