2024 Festival of Trees features new event for public

 “We know that not everyone can attend the gala because we always sell out,” said WMH Foundation Executive Director Kimberly Burgess. We also know that there are people who would prefer something a little less fancy, maybe not a seated dinner, but would still like to come out and support the Festival of Trees. Or maybe the Gala is not the right price point for some individuals who would still like to participate and be involved.”

 Burgess said the planning committee’s goal is to have a hundred guests or more attend the event, which is sponsored by Guerrant CPAs in Weiser. 

 Tickets for the Gala this year are $75 per person. Burgess noted that although tickets go on sale Oct. 1, tables can be sponsored now for $1,000 per table.

 Baker Auctions will serve as the evening’s live auctioneers and Broken Bowl Catering out of New Plymouth will be preparing dinner. Black Cow Café out of Fruitland is providing the adult beverages and non-alcoholic specialty drinks.  

 The week’s events begin with Sip & See on Tuesday, followed by the Gala silent/live auction and dinner Thursday, and the free Open House, Christmas Store and live entertainment Friday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 The annual Sip & Paint, distinguished from the new “Sip & See” event, features an evening sipping wine and live instruction while painting your own artistic scene. The ticketed event, is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22 beginning at 6 p.m. 

 Around 50 volunteers, including 20 to 30 WHS students, will set up  the Vendome Wednesday and prepare the room for the Gala Thursday, Nov. 21. The Gala’s silent auction returns on-site this year after several years online due to COVID.

 “Doors open and the silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m.,” Burgess said. “We are encouraging people to come right at 5:30 p.m. because they are not going to want to miss out on the 60 plus auction items that we have.” 

 The decades-long event is Weiser Memorial Hospital Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, raising money for grant requests from hospital departments looking for means to improve services and programs for patients and the community as a whole. Last year, the WMH Foundation raised $102,000 and have set a goal of $110,500 this year.

 “We are really looking forward to a fun event again this year, one that is a kickoff to the holiday season in Washington County,” Burgess said. “The Festival of Trees is the largest community event in Weiser for the holiday season and it’s our pleasure to be able to bring that event to our community and to support the hospital.”