Funds raised during this event will go toward the purchase of eight cardiac monitoring systems for the Emergency Department. Currently the Emergency Department operates with two different systems. The new monitors will replace the outdated models and is compatible with those units utilized on the ICU and Medical Surgical units so they can be exchangeable and standardized. These systems have the ability to monitor invasive pressures for critical patients, and can hold information for 24 hours.
This year, the Foundation has received entry forms for 32 trees, nine wreaths, eight gingerbread houses and six centerpieces.
  
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“This year, we are accepting various mediums of entries, such as trees made out of baby food jars, and quilting material,” said Eva Dickerson, Foundation manager.
Set up for all entries will take place at the Mall on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The categories for judging the trees are Traditional, Children’s, Patriotic, Imaginative and Nature. There will be a first-, second- and third-place ribbon for each category, based upon the judging that will take place on Wednesday. There is one category each for wreaths and centerpieces, and the gingerbread houses will be judged in professional, amateur and kids categories.
There will be a category for a “community tree,” based upon the votes received by the public. The tree receiving the most votes from Nov. 23-30 will receive a special ribbon as the community’s choice for best tree. Votes can be cast at the Festival table during volunteer hours. The winning tree will have a ribbon placed on it Dec. 1.
After the judging, a “buy it now” price will be placed on the entries, and potential buyers can secure their purchases by paying the posted price. Any items not sold by Nov. 30 will be put up for bid for the remainder of the festival. The final bids will be accepted during the Festival Celebration event, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4. During the celebration, items purchased can be taken home; large items will be delivered on Dec. 5.
Sponsors this year include Northrop Grumman as a major Silver and Gold sponsor ($2,000), Arizona Ambulance Transport and SSVEC/TWN as Reindeer sponsors ($1,000), Office Smart, Photography by Ty and Freedom Financial Services are Elf sponsors ($500), Edward Jones Investments and Arizona’s G&T Cooperatives are Stocking Sponsors ($250); Jack and Betty Blair, Campbell, Yost, Clare & Norell, P.C., Fort Huachuca Community Spouses Club and Pilates Grove are all Holly sponsors ($100).
The foundation is selling tickets for the Festival of Trees raffle drawing. There are more than $4,500 worth of fabulous prizes, including a $250 gift card from Sierra Vista Ace, an electric fireplace from SSVEC, a child’s BMX bicycle from Sun ‘n’ Spokes, gift certificates to Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Sierra Vista Flowers, Anchor Blue and Chili’s, photography services from Photography by Ty, a pair of dulcet diamonds from Samuels Jewelers and golf packages and offerings from several mall businesses. Tickets can be purchased for $5 each, or 5 tickets for $20. The drawings will be held at the Festival Celebration on Dec. 4 at the Mall. You need not be present to win. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Foundation office at 417-4990, or at the Wellness Depot at the Mall during store hours.
New this year will be gift wrapping services, provided by volunteers at the Mall from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. All proceeds will go to the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center Foundation. A small item to be wrapped costs $4, medium $6, and a large item $10. Special handmade bows will cost an additional $2. Boxes need to be provided by the customer.
The Festival will culminate with the celebration event on Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. The celebration will begin with a live broadcast with Grady Butler from K101. There will be refreshments, entertainment provided by the Cochise College Singers, raffle drawings and final bids will be accepted for the beautiful festival entries.
Again this year the Foundation’s Festival of Trees will be hosting a charity tree which the public can decorate. The tree will be donated to the Warrior Transition Unit on Fort Huachuca that helps soldiers recover from a variety of illnesses, including those from deployments, and their families to enjoy one of the symbols of Christmas.
Individuals are being asked to bring decorations to attach to the tree.
However, because the object is to help the soldiers and their families to remember the trees of their youths the organizers are requesting that the decorations be traditional.
For that reason, decorations that are military, or overly patriotic, are asked not be used, so as not to remind some who may be combating post traumatic stress disorder of some harrowing times during their deployments.
For any questions, call the Foundation office at 417-4990.
