The 20th annual Aspirus Festival of Trees raised $215,000 in support of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. The event was hosted by the Aspirus Health Foundation.
The event, which took place at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Rothschild during the week of Thanksgiving, saw thousands of visitors participate in the special events and view the amazing holiday trees. The Festival featured more than 110 holiday trees, wreaths, mantels and specialty items that were generously donated by community members for the raffle and silent auction.
“$215,000 is the most we’ve raised in the 20-year history of the Aspirus Festival of Trees and this speaks volumes to the value that our community places on our hospice program at Aspirus,” said Aspirus Health Foundation Executive Director, Kalynn Pempek. “We’re grateful for the support of businesses, individuals, and volunteers who shared special gifts this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this important community fundraising event.”
“My husband and I decorated a tree at the Festival this year and I observed first-hand, families decorating trees together in memory of their loved ones,” added Margaret Donnelly, Aspirus vice president of post-acute care. “The community’s support of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice and our Hospice House is amazing.”
The proceeds, which surpassed the fundraising goal of $165,000, will support two community bedrooms at Aspirus Hospice House for patients with limited ability to pay, as well as an interior renovation project to rejuvenate the 18-year-old Aspirus Hospice House. They will also support efforts to improve the quality of life for patients during their end-of-life.
Miron Construction Co., Inc. was the 20th Anniversary Sponsor of the Aspirus Festival of Trees. Vice President of Northern Operations for Miron, Tim Andrew, commented that “Miron Construction is proud to be part of a vital event that helps so many people right here in our own community; people who need hospice care or whose family members, friends, or neighbors are in need of end-of-life care.”
To see photos from the various special events during the Aspirus Festival of Trees, please visit the Aspirus Health Foundation Facebook page.