|
|
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
|
|
Trees stand tall for cause
Senior Reporter The trees provide the glitter, but the real meaning behind the celebration is deeper than holiday decorations.
Good Samaritan's fifth annual Festival of Trees gala dinner and silent auction on Nov. 24 at Madden's raises funds to benefit the dream of building a hospice house, which provides end-of-life care.
The trees act as a vehicle to attract people, said Tina Dunlap, Festival of Trees coordinator. The event is about the mission, which Dunlap said "provides an opportunity for people to come in a beautiful setting and support a wonderful cause. That's why we have so much community support."
Twelve trees and 12 wreaths are paid for by main sponsors Brainerd Medical Center and St. Joseph's Medical Center. Volunteers then adopt and decorate the pre-lit trees and wreaths, which are offered through the silent auction along with additional items.
"This is not a money maker for people involved," Dunlap said.
In fact, trees may be decorated in memory of a loved one. Ruth Gmeinder is decorating a tree sponsored by the Brainerd Rotary Club in memory of her father, Oscar L. Henderson, who received hospice care. Bulbs on the tree change to four colors to signify the emotions a terminally ill patient and their family experience.
|
|
|
|
Good Samaritan's Festival of Trees is coming Nov. 24 at Madden's. An example of the decorated trees that will be available for silent auction is featured at Prairie Bay restaurant in Baxter. The 4 1/2 foot tree was sponsored by Lakes Area Plumbing. It was designed and decorated by Lynn Franz, Anastasia Designs. Brainerd Dispatch/Clint Wood
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
Linda Martin named her tree "Sharing Love with a Smile," in honor of her mother who has lived at Woodland Good Samaritan Village for nearly three years.
Martin's tree is decorated with dolls from the Annalee Co. in New Hampshire. The company was founded by a woman who made dolls during the Great Depression. Martin said she hopes the impish faces on the dolls' faces make people want to smile and serve as reminders that life is good and a smile is a gift doesn't cost a cent. Martin said her mother has a smile for and a smile is a gift doesn't cost a cent. Martin said her mother has a smile for everyone who meets her.
Martin said Good Samaritan's dream of a hospice home is one everyone should share as it will benefit many.
"As the years pass we all will have someone, or know someone, who will need help during this difficult time." Martin said in an e-mail. "Losing a loved one is so hard. Having a special place to be where families can congregate and get help from knowledgeable, loving, caring people will be an invaluable asset to our community."
Dunlap said the goal is to raise $40,000 at this year's benefit.
Festival of Trees
Good Samaritan's fifth annual Festival of Trees is planned Nov. 24 at Madden's Town Hall on Gull Lake.
Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. The event includes a steak and shrimp dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $60, of which $30 is tax deductible.
Proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Society Hospice program and its dream of building a hospice house to provide comfort care for patients and their families.
Presenting sponsors are Brainerd Medical Center and St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Tickets for the event are available via the Web site at www.brainerd.com/festivaloftrees or at Cub Foods in Brainerd or Baxter.
|
Good Samaritan is looking at land in a quiet, serene setting in the Nisswa area where officials would like to build a hospice house. They hope someone may be interested in donating land for the site.
"We are looking for a home-like setting," Dunlap said.
An architectural rendering of a potential hospice home will be on display at the fundraiser gala.
Caring for patients at the end of their life at home is not always possible, perhaps because of medical needs, Dunlap said. Hospice offers medical support for patients and grief support for families. Going through a loved one's death can be overwhelming.
"We have trained hospice staff that deal with this everyday," Dunlap said.
Last year, trees were purchased and then donated to nonprofits. Dunlap said if nonprofits are interested this year, Good Samaritan will put the word out. Dunlap said donors can rest assured their gifts will be directed to the hospice home dream.
"Those monies will be in a protected gift fund so they go directly to the hospice house," Dunlap said.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overcast, 61°
