For communities in southern Utah and the surrounding areas, Christmas time officially began on Thurs., Nov. 21, at the 36th annual Jubilee of Trees held in St. George, Utah.
“The Jubilee of Trees is a wonderful time of year when the community and hospital members come together with a common goal to benefit the future of our hospital,” said Mitch Cloward, Administrator of Intermountain Dixie Regional Medical Center.
Each year the Intermountain Foundation at Dixie Regional Medical Center chooses a specific interest or area of health science to receive the money earned. This year’s funds will be utilized for the advancement of neuroscience services offered to the southern Utah community, specifically the services at Dixie Regional Medical Center.
The Jubilee of Trees features an array of decorated Christmas trees as the main highlight with other special creations like gingerbread houses, wreaths and mini-trees on display. They are then purchased in a silent auction by businesses, members of the community and tree-loving event goers.
“The money that’s raised goes to the hospital and is well worth it,” said Ron Erickson, a volunteer at this year’s Jubilee of Trees. “I’ve been there [to the hospital] two times and it was a great experience. My doctor wasn’t concerned about making money, he was concerned about getting me the help I needed at the time.”
On Saturday night, the Jubilee of Trees featured six southern Utah musicians who provided live entertainment to attendees. Pianist, composer and arranger Tami Creamer performed on the piano as the closing act of the performances.
“When my granddaughter ended up in the hospital in serious condition, it caused a lot of worry and stress to our family,” explained Creamer following her performance. “It’s comforting to know that we fundraise for causes like my granddaughter and to help those in southern Utah who might be without the means to receive the help they need.”
The Jubilee of Trees continues until Monday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. For more information, admission price and event times, you can visit Intermountain Healthcare’s website here.
Story by: Kaden Smith
kadensmith10@gmail.com
Photos by: Kaden Smith
