Hosted by Providence Community Health Foundation, the 32nd annual Providence Festival of Trees will open its doors to a holiday wonderland. Don't miss seeing how some of the Rogue Valley's finest designers and decorators create winter magic for southern Oregon in a beautifully transformed Medford Armory. This community holiday celebration and tradition features stunning Christmas trees and displays decorated by local businesses, interior designers, florists and other talented people. The festival also showcases an assortment of holiday decorations, including designer tabletop trees and mini trees, wreaths, fireplace mantels and displays. During the past 31 years, Providence Festival of Trees has raised more than $11 million to benefit the programs and services of Providence Medford Medical Center. HISTORY
The Providence Community Health Foundation evolved from a capital campaign conducted by Providence Hospital in 1976. Donors were asked to choose between "Bricks and Mortar" for the East Wing or the organization of a separate Foundation devoted to raising funds for the use of Providence Hospital. The first Board was composed of members of the Community Board who were the Charter members. The first meeting of the Board was held on May 10, 1977 with James D. Coleman, President of the Community Advisory Board presiding. Early was elected to the office of President of the newly formed Foundation Board. Joseph C. Murphy was named the first executive director of the Foundation. Charter members were then asked if they wanted to consider continuing to serve on both Boards or choose one. Some elected not to serve on the Foundation Board. The year end report in 1977 stated the assets of the Foundation were valued at $106,844.93. At the close of 1991, the assets of the Foundation stood at $1,441,807, certainly a very healthy corpus but in need of further infusion of cash annually. That year, a group of dedicated volunteers and Providence supporters gathered to begin a new tradition in our valley… The Festival of Trees. The first Providence Festival of Trees was held in Studio C of KOBI television station. With 3,000 visitors, the three-day event featured beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, a gift shop and Christmas cookies at the Tea Time station. The festival generated more than $63,000 for Hospice of Providence, providing CADD pumps for pain relief and respite care for families and caregivers. In the next three decades, the dedicated volunteers, staff and donors continued this tradition, raising money for things like the purchase of a Medi-Van, purchase of a da Vinci Robot, renovation of a therapy pool and even creation of baby baskets. Thanks to the vision and dedication of the supporters who started Festival of Trees, we now host the largest holiday event in our community, raising half of the goal of the foundation in just one week.
