MOOSE JAW — The 33rd Annual Festival of Trees Galahosted by the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF), transformed the Moose Jaw Events Center into a Roaring Twenties-themed attraction for approximately 300 guests who recently helped raise funds for the Moose Jaw Hospital.

In the end, $184,000 was raised for new medical equipment at the Dr. FH Wigmore Regional Hospital.

“The Festival of Trees was absolutely incredible this year,” said MJHF Director Kelly McElree. “We are delighted because we know the festival saves lives.”

This year’s festival was created by Kim Waldo and her team of MJHF volunteers. “We’re going to bring (the new bronchoscopy service) to the hospital because of the tremendous support for the Festival of Trees,” McElree said.

To date, the festival has raised approximately $5.5 million for the Health Foundation’s Vision of Tomorrow campaign ensure that the Dr. FH Wigmore Regional Hospital is one of the best equipped on the Prairies.

To prepare for this year’s gala, the curling rink at the Moose Jaw Events Center was transformed into “Moose Jaw’s largest underground event” called “Sugar & Spice & Notoriously Nice.”

Preparations for the festival – which included a themed entrance tunnel, stylish 1920s decor and even a McLaughlin-Buick automobile – began on October 16 and concluded four days later, on October 19. Credit for the glamorous setting is due to Kim Waldo, her team of volunteers, the Moose Jaw Tunnels staff and several businesses who donated their time.

“I have to say the team at Moose Jaw Events Center was absolutely exceptional and the meal they prepared was phenomenal – I always get rave reviews,” added McElree. “JGL (Livestock) sponsored the beef tenderloin… (and) we are very grateful. »

McElree would also like to thank hosts Dr. Nishaan Cheddie and Dr. Chun Huang, singer Stella Salido Porter and auctioneer Scott Johnstone who ran the auction alongside Tunnels of Moose Business Development Manager Kelly Carty for his first live auction experience. Jaw.

He also wanted to thank Dance Images artists And the Mascara group, based in Reginawho “closed the evening with a very beautiful live performance”.

Volunteers included several doctors and nurses and McElree said their role was much appreciated.

“(These health care professionals) recognized the impact of donations on improving health care in the community,” he said. “They came out and showed tremendous support – not only donating their time, but they were also actively bidding throughout the evening. »

Two of the items auctioned off at this year’s festival included a quilt donated by the Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild and an 18-foot (5.48 meter) Christmas tree that will soon reside in the hospital lobby.

“A Splash of Color” quilt was donated by the guild in memory of Wendy Findlay.

“It was a very emotional moment,” McElree said. “(Findlay) was much loved and she died of lunchtime cancer. We are raising money for a bronchoscope, which is used to help people with lung cancer and COPD, so there was a double meaning.

Dr. Thorpe won the quilt and then returned it to the auction where Findlay’s daughter Tammy bought it back. Together, they raised $7,150 for the campaign.

Another item sold at auction was the “Light Up the Holidays Hospital Lobby” tree, sponsored by JGL Livestock, for an impressive $25,000.

“(The) festival is a total community effort, and the volunteers are the heart and soul of Moose Jaw,” McElree said. “I just want to thank everyone in the community who came to the Festival of Trees and Brunch…

“You know,” he continued, “for a community as big as Moose Jaw, it may not be the biggest city, but the people of Moose Jaw have the biggest hearts.

“We at the foundation, as well as the medical staff – and especially the patients who benefit from people’s generosity – (would like to say) a big thank you. »

For more information about MJHF or to donate to the Vision of Tomorrow campaign, visit MJHF.org or call 306-694-0373.