For the second year members of Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary have placed an entry in the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce Festival of Trees, a fund raising effort that ultimately benefits a local charitable or support group.
All entries in the competition carry a decorative theme and this year’s subject offered by the Auxiliary suggests a blue Christmas without the presence of military personnel from Clinton County serving away from home this holiday season.
Shelley Gunther (front) and Jan Kelley add the finishing touches to Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s entry into this year’s Chamber of Commerce Festival of Trees fund raiser.
The festival is a source for soliciting cash votes for the best decorated tree with the final beneficiary being a charity of the winner’s choice. Votes are collected by canisters placed before each entry. This year there are approximately 20 entries, each carrying a different decorative theme vying to provide a little extra funding for a favorite charity.
“Obviously,” commented Auxiliary Co-president Shelley Gunther, “we are entering with hope to assist the Auxiliary in support of the hospital. But overall, the purpose and spirit of the event is one of good for the entire community and in keeping with the meaning of Christmas.”
Participation in the Festival of Trees is but one of several activities the Auxiliary sponsors throughout the year. Proceeds of all projects are directed to Sparrow Clinton Hospital for equipment and patient care.
The theme of the tree is remembering the service men and women from the Clinton County area who will not be with us during the Christmas period.