Photo Gallery: Delaware Hospice Festival of Trees
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Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is an annual fund raiser for many hospice centers throughout the country. This hub will focus on the Delaware Hospice Festival of Trees but readers should keep in mind that they can probably find and sponsor similar fund raisers in their own localities.
Festival supporters can participate in many different ways. They can sponsor a tree and/or wreath such as the ones pictured in this hub, honor loved ones by creating a "Remembrance Tree", attend auctions where donated trees may be purchased, buy raffle tickets, participate in the festival's activities or contribute by purchasing a ticket to one of the festival's events.
Delaware Hospice is the largest and the only nonprofit hospice in the state and the Festival of Trees has been its main fundraiser since 1987. Each county in the state sponsors an event. The photos in this hub were taken by Gail Sobotkin at the Kent County, DE Festival of Trees held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. The trees were on display throughout the long hotel lobby during the daytime Chocolate Festival and were auctioned off that evening during the "Night of Lights Dessert Reception at Festival of Trees."
The Sussex County, Delaware Hospice's Festival of Trees will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center from December 9-11, 2011. The event kicks off with an Extravaganza Opening Reception on Friday, Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. that will feature special entertainment, door prizes, a silent auction and a buffet. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $40.00 per person. So that everyone can enjoy the beauty of these trees, the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center will be open to the public free of charge on Saturday and Sunday. Other fundraisers throughout the Sussex County festival include: a Wine, Cheese & Dessert Tasting from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday (tickets can be purchased at the door for $10) and a Sunday Brunch that will be served by local celebrity servers from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance).
The New Castle County Festival of trees is over. It was held in Cokesbury Village in Hockessin, Delaware and included a "Making Spirits Bright" gala, a holiday wine tasting and a family fun day that was co-ordinated with several New Castle County museums.
A Loving Widow's Annual Tribute to her Husband
As anyone who's lost a loved one knows, the Thanksgiving through Christmas holiday season can be bittersweet. Linda White's husband, Wally, died 8 years ago and she has honored his memory every year by sponsoring and donating a tree in Wally's honor. Because Wally was a "Harley" guy she's been using a Harley Davidson theme for her donated trees. You can see from this pictorial that she pays attention to details and the end results are a very unique and fun tree.
Photos of Linda's Harley Davidson Themed Tree
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Books to Help Grievers Through the Holidays
"How Will I Get Through the Holidays?" by James Miller. Includes quotations and 12 ideas for getting through the emotionally charged holiday season. Available at Amazon.com and there is also a Kindle edition.
"A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others are Celebrating." by Harold Ivan Smith. Teaches the bereaved how to alter traditions instead of abandoning them and how to appreciate the grief styles of others. Available at Amazon.com as a gift book edition and there is also a Kindle edition.
Tips for Helping Grievers Cope During the Holidays
Of course not all grievers are up to participating in the Festival of Trees the way Linda White does and you may know someone who is grieving but feel unsure of how you can help them get through the holiday season. Hospice professionals suggest a number of other things that anyone can do to help others deal with grief and loss at this time of year including: being supportive of any way that a grieving person chooses to handle the holidays, offering to help the grieving person with decorating and holiday cooking, offering to help with shopping, inviting the person to join in your own family's holiday, asking if the person is interested in volunteering with you during the holidays, encouraging the person to speak about their loved one and encouraging the person to donate money or gift items to others in need as a way of honoring the memory of their own loved one.
Some People Make Wreaths to Honor Loved Ones
Photos of Various Themed Trees & Wreaths
Walking through the long, wide halls of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino during the Festival of Trees was a stunningly visual treat as the corridor was lined with many beautifully and elegantly decorated trees and wreaths. Each tree had its own theme and many local businesses and individuals sponsored and/or created them. I hope you enjoy the gallery of photos that are posted here.
Festival of Trees in Dover Delaware
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Festival of Trees in Rehoboth Beach Delaware
Photos of Delaware Hospice Center
I end this pictorial with a few photos of the Delaware Hospice Center in my hometown of Milford. The center has been used by some of my neighbors and friends who had loved ones who passed away. The center also sponsors many educational and community programs and I have been able to attend some of them and can attest to the fact that the staff and a large number of dedicated volunteers are a true blessing to our community.
Hospice Books
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I'm Here to Help: A Guide for Caregivers, Hospice Workers, and Volunteers by ...
Current Bid: $7.49
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I'm Here to Help: A Guide for Caregivers, Hospice Workers, and Volunteers by Cat
Current Bid: $7.50
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VOLUNTEERS IN HOSPICE AND PAL - STEVEN HOWLETT, ET AL. ROS SCOTT (PAPERBACK) NEW
Current Bid: $70.87
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Festival of Trees Poll
Does your community have a hospice that has a Festival of Trees annual fundraising event?
See results without votingvote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (5)
- Funny
- Awesome (4)
- Beautiful (8)
- Interesting (6)
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Dear Sunnie,
You are so quick and I see you're already in the Christmas spirit with your new santa hat profile pic!!!!
So glad you enjoyed the hub. When I lived in New York State my county also had a wonderful hospice program and they did Festival of Trees fundraisers so I know there are others around but not in every state or county.
Sending Hub Hugs,
Gail
Gail, great hub! and what a patient husband! Looks like a keeper!
This was a great hub, and the pictures you shared where so nice.
The hospice here in town has a tree in the where you donate money to have a deceased loved ones name placed on the tree.
Voted up. The season is upon us.
(Do they call just Fetival of Trees instead of Christmas trees because they think some lawyer will sue them?)
Hi Homesteadbound,
Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Hubby's been around for 37 years now so he's definitely proven himself to be a keeper! I'm very blessed.
Thanks for the input on what your local hospice does as a fundraiser.
Welcome f,
Thanks for the vote up. It's greatly appreciated.
That's an interesting question. Obviously the trees are Christmas trees so I guess in this litigious society they could still get sued. The hotel lobby did have a large Hanukah display but it wasn't part of the festival. I would imagine that if anyone wanted to sponsor or create a Hanukah themed tree they certainly could enter it into this fundraiser.
Happyboomernurse, this is wonderful. :) I love hospice, and this is a truly wonderful and festive thing celebrating life, memories, and a wonderful organization. This is an encouraging hub, so glad you shared it. The tree where the woman dedicated it to her husband was very touching. :)Voted up, Interesting, beautiful, and awesome.
I anxiously await your next adventure, whether it is a garden tour of whereever you go. Hospice is active here in our community, but nothing like this. What a great idea for a fundraiser. Wonder where you'll go next??? Goodnight...
What a great way to raise worthy funds and let those who wish pay tribute to their passed loved ones. Hospices are a godsend. Gail your photos are wonderful as are your tips for helping grievers, and the Delaware Festival of Trees will most certainly be a big success. Bless you Gail.
Hi Oceansnsunsets,
So glad that you enjoyed it. Yes, I thought the woman who's been honoring her late husband like this for the past 8 years was very touching. Thanks so much for the vote up. It's greatly appreciated as is your ongoing support.
This is indeed a beautiful hub and I have to vote an up up and away here.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Hi Mary,
Your comments always make me smile. I do love finding festivals and events to go to, especially when they're free or have only a nominal fee. It's amazing how much is out there. Thanks for the kind words and your ongoing support.
Hi Alastar,
Your words touched my heart. I so agree that Hospice provides a valuable service to a community. When I became a community health nurse back in the 80's my community didn't have a hospice service but in the 90's it got one and that made a world of difference. Now many communities have one but not as many have a live-in option like we have in Milford, DE. The festival of trees is the main fundraiser for Delaware Hospice and so far it looks like it will be a success again this year despite the difficult economy.
Gail, My Dear,
I simply have no words right now except too tender, too many tears to appreciate and thank goodness for my bookmark. I know when I am moved too much to absorb and this is one of those times. I yearn to remember Mom in a special way, so far the CPR with my family but no ideas yet on a grander scale... you will help inspire me.
Our Church has a tree that helps give families a brighter Christmas by picking ornaments with ideas for gifts. Mom loved that so I am doubling up this year...
You are a forever source of inner beauty and strength. These individuals are remarkable, thank you for sharing these ideas.
Love, Maria
Hi Eddy,
Am glad you enjoyed it and I greatly appreciate the vote up. It's always a good feeling to share something about an organization that does so much good.
Looking forward to sharing many more hubs.
Gail
My Dearest Mar,
I feel your tenderness and am also at a loss for words at the moment. I will be sending you an email when I gather them. The holidays are such a difficult time for anyone who is grieving because there is not only the hurting place in our hearts but an empty place at family gatherings and traditions that have been maintained for years are now glaringly different.
Your church tree sounds like a good idea and any further tributes will come to you when you're ready. Right now you need to treat yourself with loving kindness and remember to take time to relax and rest.
You are loved by so many including myself.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love You,
Gail
The trees are beautiful and the programs so useful. We do have many organizations here that raise funds and awareness at Chritmas time. We participate in BASTAS, Be A Santa To A Senior, which collects gifts and delivers them to elderly rest home patients. Many do not have family and this is the only gift they will receive.
I love this beautiful and compassionate Hub. Thank you. I am now feeling the real Christmas spirit.
Hi Hyphenbird,
Glad you enjoyed the hub and I thank you for sharing another program that helps spread the Christmas spirit. I hadn't heard of BASTAS before but just looked it up on the internet and it looks like it's sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care and there is a place near me that participates. If anyone else wants to see if there's a BASTAS near them they can log onto: http://www.beasantatoasenior.com/ and type their zip code into the finder. Thanks again, for sharing this information.
Waht a great idea for a hub! Detroit used to have a Festival of Trees event for the Children's Hospital of Detroit. We used to go when I was a kid but I haven't been in years. I'm really not even sure if they still have it, something I guess I should check out for my own kids. I loved the photos of the trees.
On another note, those husbands are something aren't they? As soon as my husband sees my camera out he asks, is this for another hub? LOL
Hi Cardelean,
So glad you enjoyed it. I was surprised by how many girl scout troops, daycare centers and child care centers had decorated and/or sponsored trees and the children's themed trees that they created were adorable.
My hubby chuckled when I showed him the last picture of him patiently waiting. Poor guy was tired and hungry but he let me wander about! We are blessed to have such good natured husbands.
You are so welcome. Many seniors outlive their loved ones and find themselves alone during the holidays. I hope others find the joy in this program that we receive as we give.
Awesome and inspiring. Hospice is also active and very much appreciated down here.
Congratulations with your 100 score!
Hi Hyphenbird,
I hope so, too. It's so true that we receive as we give.
Hi Martie,
Glad you found the hub inspiring and that you have an active and appreciated hospice in your community.
Thanks for the congrats. That score goes up and down like a yo-yo!
This will be the second Christmas without my mother. She died in January of 2010 in hospice in a hospital setting but was only there less than one day after 8 days in an ICU unit. I have not participated in any of the hospice activites and have not heard of anything like this festival of trees. But I know that hospices are wonderful places. So nice to be able to support them in such a fashion. Up, useful and beautiful hub. And yes...your patient husband looks like a keeper!
Hi Peggy,
I know your Mom's death has been hard on you, especially during the holiday seasons as your family was so close and shared so many traditions. My thoughts and prayers are with you again at this time of year. You have honored your mother in so many of the hubs you've written and I was so happy today to see your family's cookie recipe hub be awarded the "Hub of the Day" badge. It is all the more special knowing your Mom is no longer here to make the cookies with you but that this cherished family tradition can be passed on to other families. That is indeed a beautiful tribute to your mother.
The staff that work in Hospices are incredible people, the most warm and caring people. What a great way to help them out both those who have lost loved ones and the staff. Great hub and voted up!
Welcome Carcro,
I totally agree that most people who work at or volunteer at a hospice center are warm and caring. It takes a special kind of person to be able to sit with and/or care for people who are dying and their families. Thanks for leaving such a compassionate comment. It's greatly appreciated as is the vote up.
Trees make our environment so fresh, healthful, and enjoyable to live, choosing trees as the theme in a festival will encourage people to love trees more and more.
Hi Agusfanani,
Thanks so much for leaving a comment. That's one benefit I hadn't thought of.
Great photos of a wonderful event. I don't think we have this specifically in our area but will have to look into it as I have a friend who is part of the Quilts for Cancer program. Lovely way to remember loved ones who have gone before us.
Hi Audrey,
Yes, it is a special way to remember deceased loved ones and it's very enjoyable just looking at all the beautifully decorated trees.
I've never heard of the Quilts for Cancer program but that sounds like a good idea. When one of my friends was on hospice with a terminal diagnosis for cancer another friend brought her a crocheted blanket that a group of ladies from a church worked on. It was a "personal sized blanket" and my friend did get comfort when using it.
HBN, this is a great event and you really did a great job projecting it. I admire all these people that donate their time to do this and make this event possible. These are real life heroes that make a difference. The Holidays are a hard time to go through the lost of a loved one. Their support really helps at these trying times. I really am glad you wrote this HBN. Up and all but funny from me my dear friend. I sure hope others can learn from this event and offer it later down the road. A wonderful report and article.
Nice hub and using awesome pics.......
Welcome Lyricwriter,
I so agree with what you wrote about all the hospice workers and volunteers who work so hard to pull this event together and who help those dealing with care of terminally ill loved ones on a daily basis.
Thanks also, for your kind words about the article and your ongoing support which means so much to me.
Hub Hugs,
Gail
Welcome Uniquearticlesbuz,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and photos. Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
Beautiful hub. What a wonderful event. The tree photos are really nice. I love the gold one in front of the mirror. It' great to see things like this during the holiday season.
Hi Alekhouse,
So glad you enjoyed it. I thought the way that gold one was displayed with the guilded mirror behind it was awesome. Thanks for taking time to leave such a lovely comment and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Can I just come to Delaware and travel with you when you get your pictures and information for these awesome hubs? These pieces are very well thought out and informative. And definitely entertaining. I really liked the tips you included for people who are grieving. Really nice work as I have come to expect from you :)
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn,
Thanks so much for your kind words- they really made me smile tonight. Hope to start seeing pictures and write-ups of events and places in your area.
I can't say enough wonderful things about the hospice in my community and the many dedicated volunteers and workers there. It was a pleasure to be able to highlight this fundraiser.
Hub Hugs,
Gail
Alton doesn't have a Festival of Trees although St. Louis might. My mother passed away of cancer on Christmas in 2003. I still miss her and my dad who passed in 2008.
Hi Danette,
Close family members who are now deceased are always missed during the holidays no matter how many years have gone by, though the first year or two is hardest.
The Festival of Trees hospice fundraiser is a nice way to pay tribute to our deceased loved ones, though as you say, not every community has this.
Thanks for your ongoing support and for leaving such a heartfelt comment.
Sunnie Day Level 8 Commenter 6 months ago
Dear Gail,
What a wonderful hub! I had never heard of this organization..Such a beautiful way of honoring the ones who has passed on and to the hospice organization that does such touching work. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and hub.
Happy Holiday,
Hugs
Sunnie