Claxton-Hepburn Auxiliary planning its largest fundraiser: Festival of the Trees

Matt Curatolo, Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.
·2 min read

Nov. 4—OGDENSBURG — Preparation is underway for the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Auxiliary's largest fundraiser of the year, the annual Festival of the Trees.

This year marks the 20th annual event, during which 4-foot decorated trees are auctioned and raffles are offered, to fundraise so the auxiliary can give back to the hospital.

"Your support is what makes this occasion a continued community holiday tradition and we need your help more than ever," said Ramona Kennedy, Festival of the Trees chairperson. "Monies raised will help fulfill our pledge to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center."

In-person events, such as a live auction, will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Freight House Restaurant. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission for the event will be $15 per person. Day events are free, but donations are accepted.

Those who would like to donate trees can contact Kennedy at 315-393-1559 or by email at rkennedy@chmed.org.

On Dec. 2, a choice auction and a small silent auction will all be in person. There will be raffles, grab bags, crafts and Candyland.

As part of the festival, there will be a silent auction of basket items that can be viewed at the CHMC Auditorium on Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will end virtually on the auxiliary's Facebook page.

Also in the auditorium will be the auxiliary's "Once Loved Christmas Treasures" sale.

Donations for the virtual silent auction baskets will be at the CHMC Auditorium on Monday and Tuesday.

Other donations can be dropped off on Nov. 13 and 14. The sale itself will take place on Nov. 15 and 16.

The auxiliary is hosting several raffles — one of a ruby necklace on a 20-inch chain that was donated by Kay's Jewelers in Aruba.

Only 200 boxes for $10 each will be sold for the necklace with the winner being selected the night of the live auction. Participants do not need to be present to win.

Other raffles include a handmade quilt donated by auxiliary member Diane Dailey; a $500 lottery board donated by America 1 Realty; and two Adirondack chairs donated by Meyer Real Estate.

"We appreciate your continued generous support and look forward to you joining us for Ogdensburg's premier holiday event," Kennedy said. "Please follow the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Auxiliary Facebook page for details, times and locations of all of our Festival of the Trees events."