Festival Of Trees Begins At Oglebay Park
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The spirit of the holidays and of helping others was strong Friday afternoon at Oglebay Park Resort’s Pine Room, as the annual Festival of Trees began.
The event benefits Wheeling Health Right and will be held through Nov. 15. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. Dozens of trees, wreaths, table decorations and holiday gifts are for sale as well, with all proceeds going to Wheeling Health Right.
Health Right Executive Director Anne Ricci said the Festival of Trees is a brilliant example of how the Ohio Valley comes together to help those in need.
“Year after year, people give their time, talents and resources to make this event possible,” she said, “all while supporting organizations that serve our community. That spirit of generosity is something we should never take for granted.”
Health Right Assistant Executive Director Erin George sees the Festival of Trees’ benefit from multiple perspectives. Before she was a member of Health Right’s staff, she was a young adult who used the organization’s services and understands how important Health Right is to the community.
“I’ll never forget the compassion, dignity and quality care I received when I needed it most,” she said. “Going from being a patient who benefited from Wheeling Health Right’s mission to joining the leadership team entrusted with carrying the mission forward is something I consider both a privilege and a blessing.”
This year features what organizers call an event within an event. Easterseals is raffling off a tree created by the organization’s employees, with the proceeds from that raffle going to Easterseals, which works with children with developmental delays and disabilities.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of what they’re doing here,” said Easterseals Marketing Director Betsy Bethel-McFarland. “And we’re grateful to the Festival of Trees committee and Wheeling Health Right for inviting us to raffle off our own tree.”
There are several events scheduled within the Festival of Trees. A Teddy Bear Check-Up will be held today from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. where teddy bears and dolls can be brought in for checkups. Costs are $20 for adults and $12 for children, which includes lunch. A basket bingo will be held Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Admission is $15. Veterans and Senior Day will be held Wednesday from 1-7 p.m. with $1 admission for all.
Saturday Nov. 14 will include Breakfast with the Grinch at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. ($21 for adults and $15 for children), as well as a paint and sip from 4-7 p.m. for $40 per person.