It might not have had a gala, a breakfast and other attractions that bring in thousands of people over three days, but the community was still eager to support the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and its Festival of Trees: Home Edition.
The fundraiser, which has typically been the foundation’s most lucrative benefit of the year, was held over several weeks in the fall, with activities for families and businesses, a silent auction and a 50-50 draw.
“Overall our Festival of Trees went amazing this year,” said Breanne Van De Woestyne, the foundation’s executive director. “We had really low expectations, because we didn’t really know how things would work with all of the COVID restrictions.”
The foundation said this year’s effort was about celebrating Christmas and the positive things happening in the healthcare community.
“Once again our community completely blew us away by their support. We are so lucky to be part of a community that really supports not only local healthcare, but all of the community organizations right now, and it’s truly incredible just to be a part of it,” said Van De Woestyne.
Their goal this year was to focus on different audiences. With the traditional Festival of Trees, there would be a seniors’ tea, a community Christmas gala, a breakfast for families and other activities.
An ultimate 50-50 was drawn last Wednesday, with Glenda Walter’s name being drawn; she took home $10,245, with the other half of the jackpot going to the foundation. All tickets were sold online.
“The winner was very excited when we gave her a call, and that’s all that truly matters, is hearing the excitement on the person who actually won the $10,000 was truly neat,” said Van De Woestyne.
She expects the foundation will hold a similar 50-50 sale next year.
Families enjoyed the Kids’ Zone Christmas Kits, which were sponsored by the Estevan Mercury. Parents and children ordered Santa’s Workshop Kits and Night Before Christmas Kits. There were 175 kits available this year, and those were gobbled up in about 4 1/2 days, which Van De Woestyne described as “crazy.”
“We offered free delivery, so we were out and about delivering packages to different families,” she said. “Getting the messages and the social media posts and just the feedback from families enjoying that time with their family, that was what that whole activity was about, was to be at home with your family and just taking in some new traditions, or just spending time together and taking in the Christmas atmosphere and spirit, and also at the end of the day supporting a great cause.”
The crafts turned out wonderfully, and the kids were excited to work on them.
Two options were offered to corporate sponsors who attended last year: they could have an advertising package through the foundation’s local media partners, or a catered office lunch. In some case, they received a lunch, and in others, they received gift cards.
The foundation also had hot chocolate charcuterie and dessert trays delivered to offices and homes in the community. Van De Woestyne said it was a success, people enjoyed the trays and people might be able to order it throughout the year for special occasions.
The final component was a silent auction that wrapped up Friday night. This year they were able to reach the general public, rather than just those who attend the gala. Thirty-five items were available, with prices that ranged from $200-$3,500.
“Our auction was completely sponsored, so all profit from those prizes went directly to our hospital,” said Van De Woestyne. “So it just shows the incredible support that we have from the business community here in Estevan and area.”
The silent auction ran for just over a month, and generated a lot of excitement. It also put a spotlight on the businesses.
“One thing that we really wanted to focus on was local services and local offerings that we have right here in Estevan area,” said Van De Woestyne.
Among the items available were four brightly decorated Christmas trees.
Van De Woestyne said the foundation knows that Estevan will always be there to support them, because local people are passionate about their hospital.
“We had to be very creative, and again, at the end of the day, we had a truly amazing response from our community. The support that we received from businesses, from local donors, and even from families is something we never take for granted, and we are very, very thankful for that,” said Van De Woestyne.
A final figure on how much money was raised has not been tabulated, but Van De Woestyne said they will have a lot of funds to use towards equipment in the hospital. St. Joseph’s currently has a capital wish list for about $400,000.
The foundation also offered its annual Operation Secret Santa: Long-Term Care Edition. Thanks to support from the public, a gift was purchased for each resident of long-term care. People could either donate $40 and have the foundation purchase the gift for the resident, or they would purchase and wrap the present themselves.
Included in each present was a fleece blanket.
People can also send in Christmas cards or letters to be delivered to the residents. People can have the messages delivered to someone of the foundation’s choosing or to someone specific. They have to be delivered by Dec. 21.
