The National Tree 2009

Rock Burdock [Evan Williams] wins a nationwide contest for his tree to be planted across the White House. Faith Russell [Kari Matchett], a marketing representative for Box of Toys who is in charge of the project, visits Rock and his father Corey Burdock [Andrew McCarthy]. Corey planted the tree in their garden when Rock was born and he has reservations about transporting his tree cross-country, but agrees on one condition: they deliver the tree themselves.

While father and son drive the truck, Faith follows them most of the time in her car. The journey tests their bond, and dissensions rise as they travel. Rock films the entire trip on camera and posts it on his vlog, turning the road trip into a growing online story that attracts fans and even draws media attention. Rock’s internet acquaintance and love interest Katie [Paula Brancati] joins [Rock] on the way.

Together they reach Washington, D.C. on Thanksgiving, a milestone that brings their odyssey into the national spotlight. Meanwhile, Faith’s boss secretly changes the plan: he wants to repeat the contest every year and therefore decides to erect the tree rather than plant it. After Faith’s attempts to persuade her boss fail, the team cuffs Rock to the tree to protest its destruction.

Their bold act, amplified by media attention, garners increasing public support for the protest. In a dramatic turn, the President of the United States calls the park ranger on his cell phone and orders the tree to be planted in its rightful place. Later Rock, Corey, Faith and Katie are invited to attend the Christmas lighting of the tree by the President.