Fundraisers and festivities bring in the holiday cheer
With Christmas just around the corner, this last week was bursting with Christmas cheer as many holiday events took place throughout Boundary County. Children and adults alike bundled up and headed out to join the festivities.
Boundary Community Hospital and the Fry Healthcare Foundation hosted the annual Festival of Trees, which concluded Thursday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.
Each BCH department decorates a themed Christmas tree with a variety of gifts, which are then auctioned off. The items for the trees are acquired from the staff themselves or donations from the community.
To make the event even more interesting, hospital staff hold an in-house competition. The tree with the highest bid at the close of the auction gets $1,000 to purchase equipment for their department.
This event is very important to the community as it raises funds for much-needed equipment for the hospital. Some of the items purchased from the past year's funds include a pediatric exam table for Boundary Community Clinics, two high seating chairs for handicap accessibility for the clinic, an operating otoscope for the Emergency Department, defibrillators for the Emergency Department, and new surgical lights for the operating room.
Last year, the Festival of Trees raised $6,600; this year went far beyond that number, raising $9,196. The tree with the highest bid was the facilities department tree, “A Hunter’s Haven,” at $1,820.
“The FHF would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to our staff and the amazing community and businesses who supported them in their efforts,” said Danielle Larsson, BCH community relations and marketing.
The Hope House of Boundary County had its community-wide Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 15, at the fairgrounds.
Run by Eli and Anna Pine, Hope House is a nonprofit organization that assists families facing financial difficulties and are unable to afford basic necessities.
The Christmas party was abundant with activity as the community members came together to celebrate with crafts, cookie decorating, gifts and a taco bar. Of course, Santa Claus was there to mingle with the good boys and girls and find out what everyone has on their list this year.
The Pines hope to make the Christmas party an annual event and are already looking forward to next year.
On Saturday, Dec. 16 , Santa Claus continued his tour of the county escorted and assisted by first responders. He started his day at the Naples Holiday Festival, where he took photos with children and those young at heart, as well.
He left Naples, ditching his sleigh for a fire truck decorated for the season to head over to Paradise Valley main station. After that, he cruised by the Restorium and then on off to the North Bench station.
The Naples Holiday Festival also boasted a craft fair with local vendors, games, craft projects, treats and rides on the fire trucks.
Santa Claus is scheduled to return to Boundary County on Christmas Eve.
Eli and Pine at the Hope House Community Christmas Party.
Festival of Trees 2023