HOULTON,Maine — Anyone who struggles each year in his or her pursuit of finding that perfect Christmas tree might want to take a stroll down the halls of Houlton Regional Hospital or the Visions Gallery on Main Street.
The Health Services Foundation, in partnership with the Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project, is holding the second annual Festival of Trees event as part of a fundraiser for both the Foundation’s charitable causes and SACAP’s ongoing mission to bring art to the area.
“The idea was inspired by a family trip to Connecticut where the experience was magical and fun,” explained Leigh Griffith of SACAP. “Our first year proved to be a success and this year SACAP has partnered with the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation, helping both organizations offer beneficial programs to the Houlton community and surrounding areas. SACAP’s purpose is to promote local artists and further arts education for all ages in the southern Aroostook and surrounding areas.”
“We have always enjoyed working with this group as we have held several Silent Auction Art Shows at the gallery in the past,” said Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director. “Those were great events that people really enjoyed attending; always having that challenge of being that last-minute high bidder for great art. Now here we are on a new adventure by doing the trees to help raise money for our hospital and support the art community.”
The fully decorated trees can be viewed along the main concourse at Houlton Regional Hospital, with additional trees located at the Visions/Blue Moose Gallery on 66 Main St.
Each tree will be raffled off, fully decorated, on Nov. 29. Tickets are available at the Health Services Foundation office on the first floor of Houlton Regional Hospital and also at Visions/Blue Moose Gallery at 66 Main St. Winners will be drawn on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 4 p.m.
Dulin noted that this event is the perfect opportunity to help those less fortunate who may not be able to afford a Christmas tree of his or her own. She encouraged any individual who wins a tree, but may not have a need for it, to consider donating the item to a needy family.
There are currently five trees up at the hospital, and the generous donors include; Chester M. Kearney doing “Candyland Christmas,” East Grand Health Center with “Homemade for the Holidays,” Smith and Wesson with “Happy Christmas,” TD Bank with a “TD Bank Christmas, ” the Blue Moose Restaurant with “A Blue Moose Christmas,” and The Horn Restaurant with “A Restaurant.”
For further information regarding the Foundation, call 207-521-2147 or visit www.healthservicesfoundation.org. For more information on SACAP, visit www.sacap.us.
