Festival of Trees
December 7, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Wendy Ragusa, Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation Development Coordinator, 360-814-5747
Kari Ranten, Promotions Chair, Festival of Trees, 360-814-2370
FESTIVAL OF TREES RAISES $255,000
Funds will benefit Behavioral Health Care Services at Skagit Valley Hospital
A festive weekend of fund-raising, Christmas trees and music kicked off the holiday season as the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation celebrated the 21st Annual Festival of Trees.
The event, presented by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and title sponsor Associated Petroleum Products, raised $255,000 in gross proceeds to benefit Behavioral Health Care Services at Skagit Valley Hospital.
“We are so thankful to the many people who support the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation as donors, sponsors and volunteers,” said Corey Mendoza, President of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “This outpouring of support, in a year that has been challenging for many, is a true indicator of the generous spirit of giving we have in our community to benefit essential services at our regional, community hospital.”
The Thanksgiving weekend event, featuring the display of more than 30 elaborately decorated evergreens, drew a capacity crowd for the November 27 Gala Evening & Auction at the St. Joseph Center in Mount Vernon sponsored by Mountain Glen Retirement Community. You can view photos of gala event attendees here.
The energy in the St. Joseph Center was electric as guest auctioneer John Curley swirled around center stage creating a very lively evening of bidding.
This signature fund-raising event is supported by exceptional sponsorship from the community. Festival event sponsors also included Whidbey Island Bank – Live Auction, Charles Fine Jewelry – Jewelry Lockbox, Group Health – Raffle Tree, Key Bank – Silent Auction, Life Care Center of Mount Vernon – Senior Day, Skagit State Bank – Kids’ Day, Williams & Nulle - Wreaths and Skagit Endodontics – Reds, Whites and Brews Silent Auction. The Foundation is also grateful for the more than 90 tree, tablescape and auction item sponsors that participated.
High-bid items included the “We Wish You a Merry Grinch-mas!” tree designed by Janey Dodge and Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Sheran Blake, Tammy Wells, Scott Sutton, Dawn Latimer, Kristen Whitener, Karen Mills and Bill Forney, which sold for $4,000, and the “Angels for Alger” tree designed by Pam Radcliffe and Vicki May, which sold for $2,800.
Trees were also pre-purchased for location at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon and the Main Lobby of Skagit Valley Hospital.
Saturday night’s guests enjoyed Reds, Whites & Brews – a new Festival event to savor the season. The event, sponsored by Group Health, featured wine tasting from the Skagit Valley wineries of Challenger Ridge, Eagle Haven and Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard. The Skagit River Brewing Company served tastes of their boutique brews and signature root beer. While sipping and strolling through the trees, guests were treated to the big band and jazz sounds of Dillinger’s Clambake.
Tom Karsh of Mount Vernon was the winner of Shellan Jewelers’ Diamond Detective event. A fabulous wine tree raffle – won by Ginny and Boyd Bode – photo ops, a Cougar vs. Husky Wii game and a golf chipping challenge were all part of the evening’s festive activities. Foundation Board Trustees Jacqueline Cress and Megan Kovanen co-chaired this new event.
Thousands of people enjoyed viewing the amazing Christmas trees during two Community Days, which also featured live local entertainment and kids activities. Lori Eberle of Mount Vernon was the winner of the Group Health raffle tree. On Saturday’s Kids’ Day, sponsored by Skagit State Bank, young guests participated in many activities including a scavenger hunt, Santa’s Bakery, face painting and craft projects. Life Care Center of Mount Vernon hosted Senior Sunday of Festival weekend.
Suzanne Hayes and Susan Slotemaker served as co-chairs of the Festival of Trees and were supported by a committee of dozens of volunteers.
Award Winners
“We Wish You a Merry Grinch-mas!” was a big winner, capturing two of three Festival awards:
People’s Choice: “We Wish You a Merry Grinchmas!” was selected as the People’s Choice in voting by thousands who attended Community Days on Saturday and Sunday. Tree and decorations were sponsored by Larson Gross p.l.l.c. and Westside Merchants – CraftStove of Western Washington, Hansen Furniture, Mexico Café, Modern Cleaners, Rolfson’s Home Furnishings, Skagit Wild Bird Supply, Wire Fab and Xtra Special Cakes.
President’s Choice: “Let It Snow” earned the President’s Choice Award from Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation President Corey Mendoza at Designer Appreciation Night. The beautiful flocked tree with sparkly, crystal accents was designed by Lea Davidson and Cheryl Pratt, while the tree decorations were sponsored by Lea and Gregg Davidson.
Designers’ Choice: “We Wish You a Merry Grinchmas!” also received the Designers’ Choice Award in voting by all volunteer designers in attendance at the Designer Appreciation Night.
Raffle Tree: Lori Eberle of Mount Vernon was the winner of the Group Health tree raffle. “Making Spirits Bright,” a tree recreating this year’s Festival logo tree dressed in red, white, lime green, teal and silver. The tree was designed by Jill Christensen, Michelle Knutzen and Melissa Knutzen.
The 22nd annual Festival of Trees will be held November 26 - 28, 2010. Opportunities are available for tree, tablescape and wreath designing, tree sponsorships, auction item underwriting and event volunteering. Contact the Foundation Office at 360-814-5747 or 360-428-2140.
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Calling Designers!
Interested in designing a tree or wreath for the Festival? Or for sponsorship and ticket information contact Wendy Ragusa in the foundation office at 360-814-5747 or by email.
