2022 Festival of Trees to be held in November

The 2022 Festival of Trees “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” Gala has been scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16, Weiser Memorial Hospital Foundation recently announced.

 The presenting sponsor this year is Ridley’s Family Market.

 Normally, the much-anticipated community Christmas event, now in its 36th year, is held the first week in December, but organizers say they have made the strategic change with volunteerism in mind and to accommodate buyers’ wishes.

 “There are a couple different reasons for the date change: first, our tree buyers have been asking to get their trees earlier and earlier,” explained Kimberly Burgess, WMH Foundation Project Coordinator and Chairman for the event. 

  “A lot of buyers have been saying that it would be nice to have them around the holidays, on Thanksgiving, because many people decorate around that time. So, instead of getting their trees the first Sunday in December, they will receive them in November.”

 Last year, the Festival of Trees Gala, where beautifully decorated trees are sold for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, was held on Wednesday, Dec. 1. 

 The 2022 gala will be held at the Vendome Events Center in downtown Weiser, and trees will be delivered to buyers on Saturday, Nov. 19. 

 The trees are themed and decorated by various businesses and organizations from the Weiser area.

 “We have also expanded our volunteer opportunities for the festival, just putting a little more polish and ownership for other community members and employees of the hospital to get involved in volunteer opportunities,” Burgess said. 

 “It’s just growing so much that we needed more help and there were a lot of conflicting things between the holidays, with individuals not being able to volunteer and give time after Thanksgiving, so we thought if we moved it a little earlier, we’ll meet our buyers’ needs and then also hopefully be able to draw in more volunteers from the community and the hospital, and that has worked.”

 With the event over four months away, community members and hospital employees are already signing up to volunteer, according to Burgess.

 Past Festival of Trees Galas have featured online and live auctions and featured a prime rib dinner. 

   Last year, over 170 guests attended the event, the WMH Foundation raising over $70,000 for equipment, facilities, and other hospital needs that serve the health and well-being of area residents.

 Over its 35-year history, the event has raised over $600,000 for the hospital. The Foundation itself has raised over $2.8 million over the years for the hospital.

 “We just had our first kick-off meeting for this year’s event this week,” Burgess said July 25. “If people are interested in sponsoring or decorating a tree, or volunteering, they may reach out to the Foundation.”

 For further information, contact the WMH Foundation at foundation@weiserhospital.org or call (208) 549-4412.

 “It will be a little different having it before Thanksgiving, so that’s why we wanted to get the word out as soon as possible so people can make arrangements and adjust their calendars,” Burgess added. “We are really excited.”