Festival of Trees hospital fundraiser November 6

Community members invited to create and bid on holiday decorations

Unique holiday décor like this ornate lamppost will be created and donated to the Festival of Trees fundraising auction that will occur November 6.

September 25, 2019

Big Rapids, Michigan: Holiday trees, wreaths and creative decorations of all types will be on display and up for bids at the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser for Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals November 6.

Area residents are invited to use their imagination in creating traditional or unique holiday items for the event that will turn the Holiday Inn ballroom in Big Rapids into a winter wonderland.

“It’s always fun to see what items people create,” said Spectrum Health Foundation board member and event chairperson Jane Torry. “In addition to beautiful trees and wreaths, last year we had a sled, a birdhouse, a lamppost and a holiday window frame.”

“We’re grateful for the creative and generous people in our community who make this event a success every year,” Torry said. “For bidders, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get one-of-a-kind items, while supporting the needs of the hospital.”

Proceeds from this year’s event will support Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals’ Community Outreach and Health Education Department.

“The funds will allow us to respond to emerging community health needs,” Community Education Manager Scott Lombard said. “We sincerely appreciate everyone’s participation and generosity.”

Isabella Bank has graciously donated 4-foot artificial trees and a variety of wreaths for people to decorate. Donors may pick up a bare tree or wreath from Patterson’s Flowers in downtown Big Rapids, take the item home and decorate it with materials and ornaments of their choice. Ornaments should be glued, wired or otherwise securely attached to the tree, wreath or item to ensure safe transportation.

Entries confirmed by October 14 will be listed in the catalog of auction items given to bidders.

Other auction items, such as a weekend getaway, sports tickets or a VIP experience, are also welcome as donated auction items. Individuals interesting in making an auction item gift may contact Laurie Alighire at 231.592.4280 for pickup and delivery information.

The event will be at the Holiday Inn, 1005 Perry Ave, Big Rapids on Wednesday, November 6, in the University Ballrooms A & B.

A beer, wine and hors d’oeuvre reception will begin at 6 p.m. The live auction will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at: http://give.spectrumhealth.org/festivaloftrees, by contacting Alighire at 231.592.4280 or in person at Hinkle-Witbeck Agency, Inc. in Evart and Reed City, and at Patterson’s Flowers and Serendipity in Big Rapids.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.