FRIENDS of Caroline HOSPICE
Festival Of Trees
story by Chris Kincade photos by Paul Nurnberg
If you are looking for a great way to kick off the Christmas Season this year with a heavy helping of Holiday Spirit, we have the perfect event for you! The 31st Annual Festival of Trees event, to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice, will be a held this year starting Sunday, December 2, 2018 with events running through Saturday, December 8, 2018. The Festival of Trees is their largest fundraiser each year and has become a heart-warming tradition in Beaufort County.
The Festival of Trees showcases beautifully decorated trees that are judged by local celebrities for their originality and creativity. Judging of the trees is based on the categories titled Whimsical, Traditional and Student.
Each year Friends of Caroline Hospice selects co-chairs for the Festival of Trees, and they are excited to announce that the co-chairs for this year’s events are Mr. Peter and Mrs. Karen Wyman and Dr. Simons and Mrs. Amy Hane.
“I am so pleased to represent Friends of Caroline Hospice as the co-chair of this year’s Festival of Trees with my dear friend Amy Hane,” wrote Karen.
The event kicks off with Kids Snow Day on Sunday, December 2nd, and is an event for families. This event is $3 for children ages 5 and up, and free for children ages 4 and under. Real snow is brought in for the younger ones, or those still young at heart, to play in the snow, make snow angels, or have a snowball fight. They will have face painting available and a photo opportunity with Anna and Elsa from Frozen!
There is also a rumor that Santa may be able to take a moment out of his busy schedule to visit Beaufort in support of one of his favorite charities, Friends of Caroline Hospice.
Thursday, December 6th, Friends of Caroline Hospice will host their annual Festival of Trees Gala at Tabby Place amidst the trees with music, wine, beer and lots of food from some of Beaufort’s best local restaurants.
The Festival of Trees closes out the week-long event with their 2nd Annual Gingerbread 5K on December 8th at 9am. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes for the run/walk through the streets of Port Royal and will be joined by Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and reindeer for the event!
The Festival of Trees would not be possible without the support of the community. “What people may not realize is that Friends of Caroline Hospice counts on the funds raised through the Festival of Trees to support the services offered through Friends of Caroline Hospice throughout the year,” explains Karen Wyman.
It is important to know how far your dollar can reach when you support Friends of Caroline Hospice through this event.
Sponsorship of the Business Trees ($350), sponsored by a Business or Organization, covers the cost of one patient’s oxygen and a hospital bed for thirty (30) days, as well as, Bereavement Support for their family.
Sponsorship of the Family Tree ($150), sponsored by a family or individual, covers the cost of one patient’s pain medication for 30 days and Bereavement Support for the family. The Family Tree is a new option for 2018, is a smaller tree 4’-5’ for families to decorate and participate in the event, and is a beautiful way to honor a loved one. This package is limited and will be available at a first-come-first-serve basis.
One ticket to their annual Festival of Trees Gala covers the cost of one patient’s pain medication for 30 days.
In addition, Friends of Caroline Hospice is offering another way to help by selling a new item at the events this year. “We will be selling commemorative ornaments for families to purchase in honor of or in memory of their loved ones,” explains Karen. Their hopes are that this will be an opportunity for everyone to feel as though they too can make an impact.
Friends of Caroline Hospice has many volunteer opportunities for the Festival of Trees events as well. “It really does take a village,” explains Karen. “Whether it is a High School group looking for community service hours or a church group looking to help in their community, we absolutely welcome the help! Volunteer opportunities include assisting with setup, assisting with raffle ticket sales, or working the desk at the beginning of the event to help guests check-in,” adds Karen.
Friends of Caroline Hospice would also like to take this opportunity to extend their sincere appreciation for this year’s Premier Sponsor, Beaufort Memorial Hospital. “We are honored to have the support of Beaufort Memorial Hospital,” says Karen.
To become an event sponsor, to sponsor a tree, or to purchase Gala tickets, visit them online at www.friendsofcarolinehospice.
Friends of Caroline Hospice provides quality of life care that offers hope and encouragement to those nearing the end of life’s journey, as well as, support for their family, friends and community. They were the first non-profit hospice organization founded in Beaufort County and have been proudly serving the community for 38 years. Lindsay Roberg, Executive Director states, “We continue to be a non-profit organization serving the same mission, which is anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, receive the same exceptional services that we all deserve at end of life. It is really important to us that people not have to worry about the financial burdens that come with taking care of somebody at the end of life. All of the patient’s medical care is provided by us including medical staff, medications, equipment and supplies.”
Karen, co-chair of the Festival of Trees, also added that the care through Friends of Caroline Hospice extends well beyond Beaufort County by also offering care to their neighboring counties of Colleton County, Hampton County, and Jasper County.
Providing hospice care for loved ones is only one service through Friends of Caroline Hospice. They also offer bereavement and caregiver support services to all individuals in the community regardless of their ability to pay. Friends of Caroline Hospice also partners with the Beaufort County School District and offers support groups for children who have experienced loss. Roberg explains, “it can be any loss — a pet, parent or grandparent. We work closely with the guidance counselors in the schools to ensure that children know what they are experiencing is normal and that they are not alone.”
Please join us December 2nd through December 8th to kick off the Christmas Season with an event that is not only guaranteed to put a smile on your face but also a smile in your heart knowing you are helping to offer hands of support to those who need it most through the Friends of Caroline Hospice.
To learn more about the Festival of Trees or Friends Caroline Hospice, visit them online at www.friendsofcarolinehospice.
The Festival of Trees showcases beautifully decorated trees that are judged by local celebrities for their originality and creativity. Judging of the trees is based on the categories titled Whimsical, Traditional and Student.
Each year Friends of Caroline Hospice selects co-chairs for the Festival of Trees, and they are excited to announce that the co-chairs for this year’s events are Mr. Peter and Mrs. Karen Wyman and Dr. Simons and Mrs. Amy Hane.
“I am so pleased to represent Friends of Caroline Hospice as the co-chair of this year’s Festival of Trees with my dear friend Amy Hane,” wrote Karen.
The event kicks off with Kids Snow Day on Sunday, December 2nd, and is an event for families. This event is $3 for children ages 5 and up, and free for children ages 4 and under. Real snow is brought in for the younger ones, or those still young at heart, to play in the snow, make snow angels, or have a snowball fight. They will have face painting available and a photo opportunity with Anna and Elsa from Frozen!
There is also a rumor that Santa may be able to take a moment out of his busy schedule to visit Beaufort in support of one of his favorite charities, Friends of Caroline Hospice.
Thursday, December 6th, Friends of Caroline Hospice will host their annual Festival of Trees Gala at Tabby Place amidst the trees with music, wine, beer and lots of food from some of Beaufort’s best local restaurants.
The Festival of Trees closes out the week-long event with their 2nd Annual Gingerbread 5K on December 8th at 9am. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes for the run/walk through the streets of Port Royal and will be joined by Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and reindeer for the event!
The Festival of Trees would not be possible without the support of the community. “What people may not realize is that Friends of Caroline Hospice counts on the funds raised through the Festival of Trees to support the services offered through Friends of Caroline Hospice throughout the year,” explains Karen Wyman.
It is important to know how far your dollar can reach when you support Friends of Caroline Hospice through this event.
Sponsorship of the Business Trees ($350), sponsored by a Business or Organization, covers the cost of one patient’s oxygen and a hospital bed for thirty (30) days, as well as, Bereavement Support for their family.
Sponsorship of the Family Tree ($150), sponsored by a family or individual, covers the cost of one patient’s pain medication for 30 days and Bereavement Support for the family. The Family Tree is a new option for 2018, is a smaller tree 4’-5’ for families to decorate and participate in the event, and is a beautiful way to honor a loved one. This package is limited and will be available at a first-come-first-serve basis.
One ticket to their annual Festival of Trees Gala covers the cost of one patient’s pain medication for 30 days.
In addition, Friends of Caroline Hospice is offering another way to help by selling a new item at the events this year. “We will be selling commemorative ornaments for families to purchase in honor of or in memory of their loved ones,” explains Karen. Their hopes are that this will be an opportunity for everyone to feel as though they too can make an impact.
Friends of Caroline Hospice has many volunteer opportunities for the Festival of Trees events as well. “It really does take a village,” explains Karen. “Whether it is a High School group looking for community service hours or a church group looking to help in their community, we absolutely welcome the help! Volunteer opportunities include assisting with setup, assisting with raffle ticket sales, or working the desk at the beginning of the event to help guests check-in,” adds Karen.
Friends of Caroline Hospice would also like to take this opportunity to extend their sincere appreciation for this year’s Premier Sponsor, Beaufort Memorial Hospital. “We are honored to have the support of Beaufort Memorial Hospital,” says Karen.
To become an event sponsor, to sponsor a tree, or to purchase Gala tickets, visit them online at www.friendsofcarolinehospice.
Friends of Caroline Hospice provides quality of life care that offers hope and encouragement to those nearing the end of life’s journey, as well as, support for their family, friends and community. They were the first non-profit hospice organization founded in Beaufort County and have been proudly serving the community for 38 years. Lindsay Roberg, Executive Director states, “We continue to be a non-profit organization serving the same mission, which is anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, receive the same exceptional services that we all deserve at end of life. It is really important to us that people not have to worry about the financial burdens that come with taking care of somebody at the end of life. All of the patient’s medical care is provided by us including medical staff, medications, equipment and supplies.”
Karen, co-chair of the Festival of Trees, also added that the care through Friends of Caroline Hospice extends well beyond Beaufort County by also offering care to their neighboring counties of Colleton County, Hampton County, and Jasper County.
Providing hospice care for loved ones is only one service through Friends of Caroline Hospice. They also offer bereavement and caregiver support services to all individuals in the community regardless of their ability to pay. Friends of Caroline Hospice also partners with the Beaufort County School District and offers support groups for children who have experienced loss. Roberg explains, “it can be any loss — a pet, parent or grandparent. We work closely with the guidance counselors in the schools to ensure that children know what they are experiencing is normal and that they are not alone.”
Please join us December 2nd through December 8th to kick off the Christmas Season with an event that is not only guaranteed to put a smile on your face but also a smile in your heart knowing you are helping to offer hands of support to those who need it most through the Friends of Caroline Hospice.
To learn more about the Festival of Trees or Friends Caroline Hospice, visit them online at www.friendsofcarolinehospice.
