Hundreds of visitors strolled through the winter wonderland of elegantly decorated trees, wreaths and décor during the 19th annual Festival of Trees at Sarah Bush Lincoln, adding to this year’s enormous success.
“We had an unbelievable year. People were very generous with their donations, as were those who bid on and purchased items,” said event coordinator Kim Lockart. Net proceeds from this year’s event exceeded $160,000. The Foundation would like to extend a special thank you to this year’s sponsors: Media Sponsor, Consolidated Communications; Title Sponsors, Ervin Equipment, Inc. and Dale & Marilyn Hoots; Gala sponsors, BSA Life Structures, Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative & CoBank, First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, and Meadowview Golf Course; and Memory Star Tree Title Sponsors, WMCI, The Party, The Axe and Victory.
During the three-day event, the Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education was transformed into a magical wonderland of uniquely designed Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and specialty items. “We had a tremendous turn out this year, especially for Friends Night Out,” Lockart said, adding that more than 350 tickets were sold for Thursday evening’s preview event.
While some of the trees had traditional decorations, many had elaborate and imaginative designs following specific themes. “I had numerous people comment that this was the most beautiful Festival ever, and I would have to agree. The designers did an unbelievable job,” Lockart said. “Each year the Festival committee figures out how to make it better than the year before. Just when I think we have reached our limit, I’m proven wrong.”
Funds raised from this year’s Festival of Trees support Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation's current initiative "Life...Nothing Beats It," a capital campaign to raise funds for the cardiology expansion project that will include a new Heart Center and 21 new private patient rooms.
The Festival also featured a Memory Star Tree in which people purchased an engraved star to honor or memorialize someone special. Following the Festival, they had the opportunity to take their star home to enjoy throughout the holidays. Money raised from the Memory Star Tree benefits Lincolnland Hospice.
For more information about Festival of Trees, contact Kim Lockart, event coordinator, at 238-4765.