Trees Worth a Million Dollars

Trees Worth A Million Dollars

 

 

The Festival of Trees started in 1970, nearly 44 years ago, by 15 women who were challenged by Lewis M. Jones, Chairman of the hospital’s Men’s Endowment Board, to identify a way to raise funds for Primary Children’s Hospital. The Co-Chair Ruth Flint, went to Hawaii and attended a Christmas boutique featuring small, decorated Christmas trees, centerpieces, and Christmas decorations.

The very first year that these women had the Festival of Trees there were about 60 trees to display and sell in the gymnasium of the old Armory of Sunnyside Avenue. The most amazing thing about this first year was that they raised $47,000! Every penny that they raised went to Primary Children’s Hospital.

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[/one_fourth][three_fourth_last]They soon outgrew the Armory, and it was moved to the Salt Palace in downtown Salt Lake City. Now, there are 90 women who serve on the Festival of Trees Board and they hold the event in the South Towne Expo Center located at: 9575 S. State St., Sandy UT, 84070. They have over 700 trees, gift boutiques, a sweet shop, gingerbread houses, children size play houses, doll houses, wreaths, door decorations and there is of course Santa.

There are hundreds of families that come together each year to create stunning beautiful trees that are all decorated in different genres. They’re all invested in the Primary Children’s Hospital and many decorators have had their children treated at the hospital and some have had their lives saved though the efforts of caregivers at Primary Children’s.

The trees are decorated and purchased by individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and church groups. Others also help the Festival of Trees by donating paper, printing the posters, and tickets. Thousands join efforts and contribute countless hours and means to give “A Gift of Love.”

Trees - Gephardt Daily

Festival of Trees is only open from December 3 – 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. this year. Anyone is able to come and see the Christmas trees, decorations, and other assortments that are available. Tickets are $5.oo for Adults and $3.oo for children ages 2-11, and they have a family pass (which is good for Wednesday only, December 3) that is $15.00 for up to six immediate family members.

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