ESTEVAN — The 12th annual Festival of Trees Gala, hosted by the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation (SJHF), drew hundreds of attendees to Affinity Place on Nov. 16.
The glittering Red Carpet Christmas evening was a major success, raising vital funds for the foundation's campaign to purchase a new MRI machine for the hospital.
"It went fantastically," said Lori Gervais, SJHF executive director. "Everything went off as we had hoped and even better."
The sold-out gala welcomed about 550 guests and volunteers, who enjoyed a gourmet meal provided by EB's Catering, live entertainment from acclaimed musician Teagan Littlechief, live and silent auctions featuring unique items, a game of black-tie Bingo, which was new this year, and a wide variety of drinks provided by local vendors.
The gala featured a mix of traditional and innovative fundraising activities, including a live auction that showcased prizes like trips co-ordinated with CAA, an electric scooter donated by Vern Symons, a custom bar crafted by Tim Gervais that incorporated the front end of a Dodge car, a painting by acclaimed artist Michael Lonechild and more.
"People do get way more competitive when it comes to the live auction," Gervais noted, emphasizing how the format drove some high bids.
One standout addition was the auction of naming rights for the hospital's Christmas tree, which drew significant interest and generous contributions. It was sold for $3,900.
Eight decorated trees were sold through the live auction for a total of $17,750. Proceeds from trees were designated to particular areas or programs at the hospital, including emergency, diagnostic and dietary departments, long-term and palliative care, the adult day program, lab and environmental services.
Other items sold through the live auction were a Toronto getaway ($6,200), Lonechild's painting ($1,250), the scooter ($2,750), a trip to Victoria ($4,200), Disneyland tour ($4,400), the car-shaped bar ($4,100), an Alaskan cruise ($7,750) and an Experience Estevan package ($3,800).
More than $56,000 was raised through the live auction alone.
Volunteers and community supporters played an integral role in the event's success. Gervais expressed gratitude for the community's involvement, especially groups like 4-H, who assisted with setup and cleanup.
"The volunteers are instrumental. I couldn't do what we do without everybody that steps up to help," she said.
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize major donors, including Elaine Walkom, whose $2 million donation in memory of her late husband Grant laid the groundwork for the MRI campaign.
"I want to thank Kingston Midstream for being our title sponsor," Gervais said. "And we thank Elaine Walkom. She was there that night and we got to thank her publicly for her generous $2 million donation to start this project off in the first place."
As of the morning of the gala, the MRI fund had reached $4,300,818 out of the $6.5 million goal. The Festival of Tree will boost the number, but Gervais noted that efforts to reach the goal continue non-stop, thanks to the support from the southeast.
"Already there was someone in here this morning with a $500 donation," Gervais said Monday morning, reflecting on the ongoing community support.
While final figures for the event are still being tallied, Gervais is optimistic.
"In comparison to years past, I think we're there," she said.
Looking ahead, Gervais praised the enduring enthusiasm for the Festival of Trees and its mission of supporting the local hospital's main needs. She also noted that their kick-off to Christmas campaign is not over yet.
"Sun Country Hearing is the title sponsor of all our Christmas tea parties. So, over the next few weeks, we will go to all the different care homes in town, as well as the Diversified Services, and we will have a tea party that's sponsored by Sun Country Hearing with live music and some gift bags that we've put together for all of the seniors and all of the participants," Gervais added.
The Mercury and SaskToday will announce the total raised through the festival once the numbers become available.
