Last week’s biggest local fundraiser involved a combination of tinsel, bows and holiday cheer.
On Nov.14 – 16, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation held its 11th annual Christmas Tree Festival. The three-day event was held at the D.A Electric Barn on the Lethbridge College campus.
Generous businesses donated decorated trees or other gifts in support of the hospital’s needs. Proceeds raised from the event are for healthcare equipment, programs and special projects.
Organizations wishing to sponsor the Christmas Tree Festival were given the choice between three tree sizes, a wreath or alternative auction items. Businesses could decorate the tree themselves or have a designer assigned to their tree.
There were 25 elaborately designed Christmas trees, in varying sizes available for public viewings on Nov. 14, 15 from noon to eight p.m.
Every tree had a different theme and decorations ranged from masks to gingerbread houses and from popcorn to books. The cost of each tree’s decorations ranged from $500 to $2,000.
On the evening of Nov. 14, local families were invited to check out the trees and enjoy a night of treats, face paint, entertainment and a visit with Santa.
The festival’s gala and auction was held on Nov.16. There was a live and silent auction and tickets for the event were available for $50.
(A "Reel" Christmas, sponsored and donated by the Kinette Club of Lethbridge, was one of the 25 trees on display at the 11th annual Christmas Tree Festival :Photo by Paige Murray)