Skagit River Brewing Company served tastes of their boutique ales and brews. While sipping and strolling through the trees, guests were treated to the dancing sounds of The Saturday Saints.
The 22nd Annual Festival of Trees, presented by the Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation and title sponsors Associated Petroleum Products and Whidbey Island Bank, raised more than $245,000 in gross proceeds to benefit the Mental Health Center project at Skagit Valley Hospital. The Thanksgiving weekend event, featuring the display of over 30 elaborately decorated Christmas trees, drew a capacity crowd for the November 26 Gala Evening & Auction at the St. Joseph Center in Mount Vernon sponsored by Mountain Glen Retirement Community. This signature fundraising event is supported by the exceptional sponsorship from the community. Festival event sponsors also included Corey Mendoza and McAdams Wright and Ragen Investment Brokers and Investment Advisors – Live Auction Sponsor, Shellan Jewelers – Jewelry Event, Group Health – Reds, Whites & Brews Sponsor, Key Bank – Silent Auction Sponsor, Skagit State Bank – Kids’ Day Sponsor, Thomas Cuisine Management – Senior Day Sponsor, Skagit Endodontics – Santa’s
24 | Skagit Valley Hospital
Stockings, Williams & Nulle – Designer Wreath Sponsor and more than 100 tree, tablescape and auction item sponsors. High-bid items included the “Hey Santa! I Believe” tree designed by Robyn Bates, Linda Hanson, Julie Mains, Bridget Meidinger, Stephanie Wilhonen and sponsored by Charles Fine Jewelry and Skagit Speedway which sold for $3,500 and a workshop/playhouse designed by Spane Buildings and sponsored by Bruce and Dee Berglin, Richard and Jaynie Roozen and Bob and Denise Taylor which sold for $8,000. Saturday night’s guests enjoyed the second annual Reds, Whites and Brews – a 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. Rockfish Grill/Anacortes Brewery and the
Thousands of people enjoyed viewing the enchanting Christmas trees during two Community Days, which also featured live local entertainment and kids activities. The November 27 Kids’ Day, sponsored by Skagit State Bank, entertained young Festival guests who participated in many activities including a scavenger hunt, Santa’s Bakery, face painting and craft projects. Thomas Cuisine Management hosted the Senior Sunday of Festival weekend. Maree Hudson served as Festival Chair, her third time in this honored position. She was supported by a committee of dozens of volunteers.
The 23rd annual Festival of Trees
will be held November 25 - 27, 2011 at St. Joseph Center in Mount Vernon. Opportunities are available for tree and wreath designing, tree sponsorships, auction item underwriting and event volunteering. Contact the Foundation Office at 360-814-5747 or 360-814-2140.