Providence O’Christmas Trees events raise more than $1 million for charity

SEATTLE

Christmas trees festooned with puppets, a Nativity scene, musical instruments and a winter garden weren’t just a pretty sight at the 29th annual Providence O’Christmas Trees gala and auction Dec. 4. They helped raise more than $1 million for Providence Health & Services.

Providence’s three-day fundraiser at The Westin Seattle included a Christmas carnival, luncheon and the auction of the 15 decorated trees for $95,000. The “Puppetry (Puppet-Tree),” covered in puppets and accompanied by a puppet theater, went for $37,500. Then the purchaser donated the tree to the Providence Mount St. Vincent assisted living and nursing home.

Other trees included “Experience Hendrix, A Tribute to Jimi,” a purple- and jewel-toned tree covered in a Fender guitar, Native American feathers and Jimi Hendrix memorabilia; a “Holy Night, Starry Night” Nativity tree; and a “Winter Garden Conservatory” tree. Several trees were donated to charities by their winning bidders.

The funds raised benefit Providence Health & Services Senior and Community Services’ health care, housing and hospice care work with the elderly, disadvantaged and dying.

December 12, 2013