 Providence O’Christmas Trees gala raises $1 million
Record amount raised despite challenging economic times
Bidders at Providence O’Christmas Trees’ gala dinner and auction ignored news of a gloomy economy to raise a record amount for healthcare, housing and hospice provided by Providence Health & Service’s Senior and Community Services.
The 24th annual event, held Dec. 3 at the Seattle Westin hotel, brought Providence O’Christmas Trees’ total fundraising effort for the year to $1 million, including in-kind donations. “I am amazed and humbled by the generous support of our longtime and new supporters,” said Providence O’Christmas Trees executive director Patricia Szabo. “They really came out in the holiday spirit this year and helped us reach our financial goal. This will have a tremendous impact on the lives of all of those we serve in this community.” Bidding was enthusiastic and lively. Several trees and other live auction items sold for more than $10,000, including the top selling tree - “Happiness is a Warm Puppy,” a 7-foot Christmas tree packed with hundreds of stuffed dogs that sold for $35,000 and was designed by Jane Quirk. Seattle developer David Sabey and businessman Tom DuBrul joined together to buy the tree, which they donated for display at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle. After the holiday season, all the stuffed animals on the tree will be donated to needy children. Local designers spent months planning their 16 uniquely themed trees. Other top sellers included: - “How the Grinch Stole O’Christmas Trees,” a Dr. Seuss-inspired tree designed by interior designer Phil Sternola, which sold for $14,000 and won the “People’s Choice” award by those who attended all of the O’Christmas Trees events. Seattle consulting firm Point B bought the tree and donated it to Children’s Hospital.
- “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a tree adorned with hundreds of decorations inspired by the illustrated works of Jan Brett and designed by Marcy Brown, Jody Burns, Linda Dahl and Billie Klan, sold for $10,000. Turner Construction bought the tree to display in its lobby. The toys will be given to the children of Turner employees.
A record 710 guests attended the sold-out event, which has become Seattle’s premier holiday gala of giving and generosity. KING-TV anchorman Dennis Bounds served as master of ceremonies for the evening, which emulated a warm glow as bidders looked beyond the headlines of problems in the financial markets to dig deep into their pockets. They heeded the call of co-auctioneer John Curley, who urged them to fight back fear and instead help those in need through their generosity The enthusiastic crowd donated a record $150,000 to the Providence “It’s a Wonderful Life Fund” to help support the programs that go above and beyond traditional care for those served by Providence Senior and Community Services. The evening was filled with highlights, including the auctioning of a delicate 6-foot-tall glass tree made by internationally renowned artist Anna Skibska. Skibska used a small torch and tweezers to stretch glass into threads then fused the threads together into a shimmering green tree. The event capped a record-breaking fundraising year for Providence O’Christmas Trees. This was especially impressive in a year when the nation’s economy has faltered, noted event Chairman Mark Gargett. Regardless of the economic conditions, the needs of those served by Providence Senior and Community Services continue. The challenge this year, Gargett said, was to convince donors that despite their own economic issues they could still reach deeply and help those who had nowhere else to turn. “We’re really encouraged and gratified that we were able to meet that challenge and do the best we’ve ever done,” he said. “We are so grateful to our donors, who support the basics through thick and thin. Providence Senior and Community Services supports some of the most basic needs our community has. And our constituency stepped up and gave us a record year. Emotionally, it was a greater gift this year. It was tough for people to give, but they did anyway.” Although the three-day O’Christmas Trees celebration ended Dec. 3 after a public Treeview on Dec. 1 and the Silver Bells Luncheon on Dec. 2, the Providence Christmas Tree tradition continues throughout the holiday season with the Tour of Trees. Ten retailers throughout downtown Seattle are displaying elaborately decorated Providence O’Christmas Trees and invite the public to visit each of them. Participants who download a “passport” and have it stamped at each tree location have a chance to win a $1,000 gift certificate from Pacific Place.
2008 Executive Leadership Team Members  |  | | Mark Gargett
2008 Chairman | Philip Sternola
Past Chairman |
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| Lisa Arch | Pam Gargett | Andrew Pritchard | | Jody Burns | Tony Harris | Lance Rossing | | Dominique Calle | Karina Jennings | Robin Reed | | Gary Crum | Greg Kissell | John & Diane Sabey | | Jill Dahlen | Greg Lyle-Newton | Philip Sternola | | Barb Duffy | Mary Martin | Karen Summers | | Duell Fisher | Eileen McCloskey | Molly Swain | | Cynthia Flash | Maureen Newman | Scott Walden | | Marc Galvagno | Laura Oberto | Lisa Wise | | Ellen Garcia | Carolyn Pierce-Dyer | |
2008 Executive Leadership Sponsors O'Christmas Trees StaffPatricia Szabo - Executive Director
Tina Grohman - Event Coordinator
Rachel Ragland - Event Coordinator
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