Christmas Tree Festival heralds the beginning of the holiday season while benefitting area hospital

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • November 14, 2011
  • 272
                        
Summary: The annual arrival of the Warther’s Christmas Tree Festival is a sure heralding of the upcoming Christmas season. The Festival runs now through November 20. Almost 100 dazzling Christmas trees greeted guests at the 18th annual Warther’s Christmas Tree Festival in Dover during a Preview Party on Friday, Nov. 11. The Festival is a lavish display of holiday wonders, all pulled together by the hard working volunteers of the Union Hospital Auxiliary. The money raised will all be used to purchase much needed equipment for the hospital. The 2010 festival brought in over $34,000, and results for 2011 are expected to be even higher. During the Preview, hundreds of guests milled throughout Warther’s Museum, admiring the multi themed trees, all of which were for sale. Local businesses and individuals either decorated the trees themselves, or appointed the members of the Auxiliary to do so for them. Connie Finton served as Chairman of the Tree Festival Committee, and along with dozens of other volunteers, found themselves hosting the largest Festival to date. “We did about 27 of the 90 trees that are here, and this is the most we’ve ever had” noted Finton. The auxiliary has its own workshop building on South Wooster Ave. in Dover, where members prepare all year long. “We physically started the decorating in September, but actually start in Atlanta in January, at a holiday show,” Finton said. “We also have wreaths and arrangements made by the auxiliary members. These are for those people don’t have room for another tree in their home, so we want them to be able to purchase something. We did very well tonight. This is a very generous community.” Guests enjoyed delicious food, prepared by Union Hospital chefs and Litty’s bakery. A highlight of the evening was an auction where lively bidding took place on several special offerings. A bedroom set donated by Williams Furniture and accompanying bedding and Christmas décor; a Gervasi Vineyards of Canton overnight stay at their villa, tree, and wreath; and a diamond and gem necklace from Rodriquez House of Stones all went to the highest bidders. Friendly competition for the necklace went back and forth, but Greg Kimble won with his high bid of $4,000, and Don Knisely purchased the bedroom set and accessories for $4,600. Missy and Shawn Kapper made sure they walked away with the Gervasi package for $800. “I purchased a weekend at the winery, the tree, and everything that came with it. It’s all going into my house,” commented Missy Kapper. “I came planning to buy just a tree, but I liked the offer that Gervasi gave us. We will probably have our visit sometime this winter. We have bought trees in the past here, probably every 3 to 5 years. The last tree we bought, five years ago, came with a dining room table.” Trees at the festival are priced from just over $100 all the way up to $900, and come in tiny tabletop sizes all the way up to a magnificent 9 foot tree. Union Hospital president Bruce James thanked Finton and everyone else whose efforts made the Festival possible, saying, “I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight and spending the money. Connie and her group have done so much for us. The name of the game here is to raise this money to help provide good healthcare to Tuscarawas County. We do appreciate all the bidders and all of the tree purchasers. I am very, very lucky to have such a wonderful auxiliary who make such a wonderful contribution.” The Christmas Tree Festival continues daily through Sunday, November 20. Hours are from 11 AM until 8 PM, with the exception of Sunday, when doors will close at 5 PM. There is a small charge for admission. All purchased trees are delivered at no charge, and will be fully reassembled by Auxiliary volunteers. “I am just extremely grateful to the community for their support,” noted Finton. “We are so fortunate to have such a quality hospital that takes care of everyone in the community.”


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