11/19/2009 - West Side Leader
By Kathleen Folkerth
DOWNTOWN AKRON — It takes more than a thousand volunteers, countless hours of preparation and it’s still free to the public. It’s the Holiday Tree Festival, which benefits Akron Children’s Hospital through the sale of trees and other items, and it’s back for the 28th year.
The holiday tradition will open to the public Nov. 21 for nine days of entertainment, events and tree-gazing at the John S. Knight Center.
Margie McDonnell, a resident of the Portage Lakes area, chaired this year’s event along with Heather Jalbert, of Hudson. McDonnell has been part of the festival since 1992, the first year she decorated and submitted a tree.
“I’ve always done a tree, but I became more involved in the festival a year ago,” she said. “It’s a nice thing to be involved in. Everyone is in a good mood when they come.”
McDonnell said about 1,400 volunteers participate in making the annual event run smoothly. Many of them come back year after year to help.
“When you see the number of people and the number of years, it’s amazing they have all stuck with it for so long,” she said.
McDonnell added that new volunteers are always welcome and can call (330) 543-8424 for more information.
This year’s festival is special because it is helping the hospital celebrate the 30th anniversary of William Considine’s tenure as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the hospital, McDonnell said. Considine, of West Akron, will be honored at the Preview Gala Nov. 20.
“He’s been there as long as the festival,” McDonnell said. “It means so much to him. He just loves the festival.”
“The traditions of this event have created a lifetime of memories for generations throughout Northeast Ohio,” Considine said. “Serving as CEO and president of Akron Children’s Hospital for 30 years, I have had the pleasure to enjoy all 28 Holiday Tree Festivals. I have great memories of our children playing among the trees and my wife, Becky, my parents and Becky’s parents volunteering through the years.”
The public will first be welcomed to the festival Nov. 21 at the official ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. That day is also Kids Day and will feature activities such as face painting, magic shows and visits from the Doggie Brigade to entertain youngsters.
Students with Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts will perform that day. The Rising Stars are scheduled for 11 a.m., and the Concert Choir will perform at noon. Throughout the festival, local musical groups will be featured daily performing holiday music.
This year, more than 100 trees donated by individuals and businesses will be priced and available for purchase. Those at the gala will get first dibs, but McDonnell expects there will be many trees, wreaths and decorative items still available when the festival opens to the public. Trees will be disassembled and packed by student volunteers from Revere, Hoban and Coventry high schools on Nov. 30 and delivered to buyers’ homes by Akron Fire Department members on Dec. 1.
In addition to purchasing trees, wreaths and other décor items, attendees can purchase raffle tickets ($1 each or six for $5) and take a chance on about a dozen items that have been donated, such as an American Girl doll package and a Lionel model train set.
One of the more unique donations for the raffle this year came from the Bridgestone Invitational and Keepers Turf. The package features a golf-themed tree, two tickets to next summer’s golf event and the construction of a home putting green for the lucky winner.
All proceeds from the Holiday Tree Festival support Akron Children’s Hospital. During its 28-year history, the festival has raised more than $3 million, which has been used for patient care programs, equipment, medical research and education, according to hospital officials.
Considine said the festival does more than help raise money for the hospital.
“It’s about the spirit of volunteerism and the spirit of the community,” he said. “It always reminds me that Akron Children’s Hospital would not be what it is today without the involvement of volunteers and the community.”
The Holiday Tree Festival is free and open to the public. It will be open Nov. 21, 23-25 and 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 22 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day, from 2 to 6 p.m.
For additional information, call (330) 543-8424 or go to www.childrenshospitaltreefestival.org.
