Providence Festival of Trees 30th Anniversary Gala Sparkles

Ambassador Charles Swindells and his wife Caroline helped launch the Festival of Trees 30 years ago. They're pictured John Bradley Board Chair from the Providence Medical Foundation and his wife, Kim Bradley.

Portland, November 29th. Hundreds of holiday merrymakers strolled through the halls of the Oregon Convention Center decked out elaborately for a good cause. Ambassador Charles Swindells and his wife Caroline helped launch the Festival of Trees 30 years ago. They’re pictured John Bradley Board Chair from the Providence Medical Foundation and his wife, Kim Bradley. Over the past 29 years, the festival has raised more than $6 million dollars for Providence Programs.

More than 100 Christmas trees with holiday vignettes enchanted bidders who came to support the health system. The gala is the kickoff for the event, it also attracts over 20,000 visitors over the course of the weekend.

Eileen Dumolt, Rebecca Julian, KXL-FM Radio Host Lars Larson and Tina Larson supported the cause with their Cigar & Scotch themed tree.

Ellen Gyllstrom and Denise Molendyk are on the Board of Directors for Providence Medical Foundation

Ellen Gyllstrom and Denise Molendyk are on the Board of Directors for the Providence Medical Foundation

The Wizard of Oz themed tree sponsored by Andersen Construction was a twister.

Calling All Superheroes was popular with the kids.

Cole and Maren Tindall

The Starbucks tree had lots of gift certificates.

“Heaven and Nature Sing” was sponsored by Earle Chiles

John Handy, Gloria Handy, Chuck Douville, Lisa Quinn, Porfirio Pena and Terri Pena

From Providence:

Providence Cancer Center
Ask any patient and you’ll hear how important Providence Cancer Center is. As Oregon’s largest provider of cancer services, Providence Cancer Center is internationally recognized both for research and compassionate support services. And it depends on contributions for financial support that brings research directly to the patients.

Providence Child Center
Philanthropic partners enable Providence Child Center Foundation to support the programs and activities of Providence Child Center. This one-of-a-kind center is a leader in caring for children with disabilities in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s lending resource materials to parents, training caregivers about specific disabilities or providing 24-hour skilled nursing care for young residents, the center’s special combination of services enhances life for children with disabilities and their families. Contributions of any size improve the lives of children with disabilities and help each child reach his or her potential.

Providence Medication Assistance Program
Support from the Festival of Trees helps the Providence Medication Assistance Program provide essential medication.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.