Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:33 PM CST
Event to support Healthy Kidz programs through Funding the Future Campaign
MATTOON — By celebrating the beginning of the holiday season with Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Festival of Trees, community members can help provide much needed dental care to kids in need, support programs aimed at reducing childhood obesity, and help make physical changes in the health center.
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and centerpieces will once again adorn the Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education at Sarah Bush Lincoln on Friday and Saturday for the 11th annual Festival of Trees. The public is invited to share in this magical event, with the theme “A Red Velvet Christmas,” from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 am to 2 p.m. Saturday.
“The generosity of everyone who plays a part in the Festival of Trees will touch hundreds of lives,” said special events coordinator Kim Lockart. This year’s goal is to surpass $100,000, a milestone raised for the first time last year.
This year, in addition to supporting Lincolnland Hospice, net proceeds raised support the Funding the Future Campaign and will allow the health center to actively pursue its mission to create healthy communities through its Healthy Kidz program.
With more than 9,000 kids in SBLHC’s seven-county service area classified as overweight or obese, it is important to reach these children before they form lifelong habits that will threaten their overall health. The funds will also help support SBL Dental Services’ new mobile dental clinic, which will travel to rural areas to provide restorative dental care to kids in need; and I Sing the Body Electric, a program that focuses on the arts to reduce risky behavior in teens.
In addition, net proceeds will enable the health center to expand and renovate the Emergency Department, which is in dire need of space; renovate the inpatient surgery area; and provide private rooms for all patients.
The Festival of Trees will feature 4-foot Christmas trees and centerpieces sold by silent auction. Two-foot tabletop trees and 18-inch wreaths, designed and decorated by Sarah Bush Lincoln employees and volunteers, will be available for purchase.
In addition, the Merry Marketplace will feature an expanded retail section, with the theme “Packages with Pizzazz,” as well as live music by a variety of local musicians. The Kids Korner will feature photos with Santa, personalized ornaments and candy.
Ten full-sized Christmas trees, ten large wreaths and other specialty items donated, sponsored, designed and decorated by community members and local businesses will be sold at a live auction during a gala on Saturday evening.
For more information about Festival of Trees, contact Kim Lockart at 238- or 348-4765.
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