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37th Annual Providence Festival of Trees Draws 20,000

Kelly Buechler, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Providence Foundations of Oregon with Blake and Liz Howells, and daughter Ellie

Portland, OR. The 37th annual Providence Festival of Trees was a lively kick-off for a season of philanthropic holiday events. The four-day festival raised nearly $1.5 million, had 20,000 visitors and featured more than 100 decorated trees, mini-trees, and holiday displays. The event has raised more than $18 million since it began in 1983. At an opening night gala on December 5th, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Providence Foundations of Oregon, Kelly Buechler, posed for a photo with Blake and Liz Howells, and daughter Ellie. One decorated tree took top honors:

Best of Show was “Country Christmas” sponsored by Play Smart Youth Heart Screenings.
Designers: Leslie Radke, Sandy Miller, and friends

Steve Dunn and Angelica Thornton from KATU serve as hosts for the evening.

Doug Cain, Executive Director of Providence Newberg Health Foundation and wife Jill

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree entertains.

Auctioneer Johnna Wells and Safeway’s Jill McGinnis are joined by raffle tree winner Cheri Hick

Johnna Wells with Rick Mahler from Packhouz Jewelers announce the winner of the Diamond raffle – 75 tickets sold for the 75th anniversary of the child center.

After the gala dinner auction, the halls are thrown open for visitors.

The money raised supports the programs and services of Providence Health & Services, providing critically needed health care for children and adults and advancing nationally recognized clinical research.

From Providence:

Many thanks to the donors, community partners and local businesses who generously provided financial support and in-kind gifts – and to the hundreds of volunteers who worked long hours to create the festival’s magic and help local children make special holiday memories.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.