How Wilbert’s Tree Farm Supports Community Initiatives

May 2, 2025 | News

Wilbert’s Tree Farm isn’t just about growing beautiful Christmas trees—it’s also about growing kindness, compassion, and community. For years, we have partnered with a range of meaningful local and national causes. Wilbert’s is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years.

Honoring Jack’s Legacy: The Jack Foundation

In memory of Jack James Heiligman, who tragically passed away in October 2016, the Jack Foundation is turning heartbreak into hope. Jack’s boundless love for dinosaurs has inspired the creation of dinosaur-themed playgrounds throughout the Greater Rochester area. These playgrounds aren’t just fun—they’re educational, designed to spark imagination and learning through play.

The first playground, known as Jack’s Place, opened in Rothfuss Park and has become a joyful destination for families. The Jack Foundation continues to raise funds to build more playgrounds in Jack’s name.

Wilbert’s Tree Farm proudly supports the Jack Foundation by matching every donation dollar-for-dollar. For every $1 donated by a customer, Wilbert’s contributes another $1. Additionally, the Tree Farm offers dinosaur-themed ornaments and Acts of Kindness cards in memory of Jack, helping keep his spirit alive while supporting this heartwarming cause.

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Trees for Troops

In partnership with the National Christmas Tree Association and FedEx, the Trees for Troops program delivers fresh Christmas trees to military personnel at home and overseas. Since its inception, the program has donated nearly 350,000 trees, helping service members experience a little piece of home during the holidays.

Wilbert’s Tree Farm and its generous customers have been part of this mission for over 11 years. In 2024 alone, community donations helped send 16,629 trees to 93 bases in the U.S. One grateful military family, the Spences, shared their heartfelt thanks, saying: “Thank you for being a blessing to so many military families.”

Empowering Veterans: Wounded Warrior Project

Wilbert’s Tree Farm is also a proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, a national nonprofit that serves veterans and service members who have suffered physical or emotional injuries. With a vision to foster “the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history,” the WWP provides a wide range of services, from mental health support to career counseling.
In a show of support, Wilbert’s owners—Pete, Rick, and Ron Wilbert—personally presented a check for $21,000 to Lieutenant Joshua Kuhn on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Encouraging Healthy Habits: Bayview Family YMCA Kids Marathon

Since 2011, Wilbert’s has also supported the Bayview Family YMCA Kids Marathon, an event designed to help kids ages 5 to 12 get active and stay healthy. The marathon is uniquely tailored for children, with a motto that says it all: “26.2 Miles and still Smiling.”
By sponsoring this event, Wilbert’s Tree Farm helps promote physical wellness, positive habits, and community engagement among the next generation.

Whether it’s funding playgrounds, honoring service members, supporting veterans, or encouraging healthy lifestyles for kids, Wilbert’s Tree Farm is deeply rooted in the values of giving and community. Our efforts go far beyond selling trees—we’re planting seeds of hope, joy, and support that grow all year round.