Wood Buffalo rang in the festive season with the Festival of Trees raising $650,000 for the Northern Lights Health Foundation (NLHF).
The 30th annual Festival featured ugly Christmas sweaters, family fun, live entertainment, and the famous Gala.
Melanie Antoine, Chair of the NLHF Board of Directors, said over 175 sponsors, 300 volunteers, and 8500 guests made the three-day celebration stellar.
“Everyone was having fun and I heard astounding reviews from families and guests who attended. This is truly the event of the year and a fabulous kickoff to the Christmas.”
Executive Director, Cindy Amerongen added that despite current economic times, the Festival brings out everyone’s desire to support healthcare.
“We are so grateful to our many sponsors, donors, ticket purchasers, silent and live auction purchasers, guests and volunteers who supported our Festival of Trees this past weekend. The 30th Anniversary really brought out a terrific response from sponsors and the trees were amazing. Many were filled with trips and gifts and gifts cards to local businesses.”
In the 30-year history of the Festival of Trees, the event raised more than $9-million for local healthcare.
Thousands of community members and volunteers also logged 35,000 hours with some returning for their 10th year.
30th Anniversary Gala
One of the highlights was the auction, which featured the tree from NorthStar Ford Lincoln.
Their tree, which included a site-ready truck, sold for $47,000.
Tom Wilson, John and April Breadmore, Wayne Woodhouse and Karen Bennet with Bolterup raised $21,000 with their Smoking Hot Backyard BBQ tree.
Furthermore, the Motion Canada Wine tree generated $18,000 while the Finning Canada ‘Operation Bear Hug’ tree sold for $23,000.
The weekend event also featured a look into Santa’s Workshop.
Families paid a visit to the always busy Teddy Bear Workshop, craft stations, and even decorated cookies.
The Heritage Park Society chipped in managing the Family Gift Shop.
Music and dance performances and storytelling welcomed guests to Winter Wonderland, which saw a special appearance from Buddy The Elf, Mrs Claus, and Santa.
The NLHF hosts Festival of Trees, which is one of three annual events, to raise community support for local healthcare.
