Providence O'Christmas Trees December 1, 2008

Now in its 24th year, Providence O' Christmas Trees, a fundraiser for Providence Senior and Community Services, raised a record $930,000 in 2007 to help those in need through healthcare, housing and hospice. The goal this year is to raise $1 million.

Families are invited to attend the free "A Family Affair TreeView," sponsored by Barclay Dean. Enjoy live entertainment, craft projects for the kids and photos with Santa while strolling through a forest of innovatively decorated Christmas trees, with themes such as The Twelve Days of Christmas, Dr. Seuss, and The Night Before Christmas. The Silver Bells Luncheon features live music by 1960s pop singer Merrilee Rush.

The O'Christmas Trees Gala Dinner & Auction will follow on the evening of Dec. 3. The trees will be auctioned to benefit seniors and hospice patients served by Providence Health & Services' Senior and Community Services.
In addition, at least 10 uniquely decorated Christmas trees will be on display throughout the downtown corridor as part of the O'Christmas Trees Tour of Trees Passport Contest. Holiday shoppers are encouraged to pick up a "passport" from the O'Christmas Trees website, www.providence.org/otrees, tour each tree location, and send in their completed passport for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Pacific Place.

Proceeds from the event benefit residents and participants of Providence ElderPlace, Heritage House at the Market, Providence Hospice of Seattle, Providence Home Services, Providence Infusion and Pharmacy, Providence Supportive Housing, Providence Marianwood, and Providence Mount St. Vincent.

Internationally celebrated Seattle artist Anna Skibska is Providence O' Christmas Trees' 2008 Presenting Artist. She will use her signature glass sculpting technique in her donation to O'Christmas Trees. Her work of art will be arranged in the classic Christmas tree shape with sparkling rectangular green glass boxes.

$0 for Treeview; $50 for luncheon; $275 for gala.

Official Website: http://www.providence.org/otrees