The 19th annual Hospice Festival of Trees took place Friday, November 25th through Monday, November 28th at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees with this years theme being Winter Wonderland. The Festival of Trees is the most significant fundraising event for the Friends of Hospice. It takes hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours to pull together a successful event. We would like to thank the dedication and generosity of those who support the festival each year - without your help, this event would not be possible.

The 2005 Festival of Trees program began on Friday evening with a Family Memorial Service and the ceremonial lighting of the Dove tree. The Memorial Service is held to commemorate the lives of our hospice patients who have died over the past year. The Memorial Service also remembers those who were not patients of Hospice but whose family and friends have sought bereavement services from Hospice of Charles County.  A short service was held that included the candle lighting ceremony where volunteers and staff read names or lit candles as names were flashed on the wall. Family members were invited to come forward to light a candle. The Memorial Service concluded with the lighting of the Dove Tree, Remembrance Snowflake Tree and Angel Tree. Following the lighting of the trees, a nice reception was given by the Greater Waldorf Jaycees giving families and friends an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful trees, visit the gift shops, and enjoy some light refreshments.

Saturday began with a way for the children to embrace the Christmas holiday. The holiday magic began with a breakfast with Santa. Ronald McDonald was there to entertain the children. A Christmas tea was held later in the morning and early afternoon. Throughout this time, Santa’s Village was open with an opportunity for the children to do their own Christmas shopping. Saturday evening was time for the adults to get into the holiday spirit. The Black Tie Gala and Silent Auction was a fun party with many wonderful items for auction. “Radio City” provided the music for this event.

The Decorator’s Reception Sunday afternoon was a special event just for the decorators, as a way to recognize them for their efforts on behalf of Hospice. The winning decorators for 2005 were:

Sunday evening’s ”An Evening at the Improv” was a double treat. Becoming increasingly more popular over the years, this year’s Comedy Club featured two nationally known comedians, Chris Coccia and Joe Bublewicz.  Two separate rooms were set up and the comedians performed for both rooms.

The close of the program was the Seniors Day Luncheon on Monday. Seniors were offered an opportunity to view the beautiful trees and have a nice lunch. 

Throughout the weekend, the Festival was open to the general public to view the more than 100 decorated trees and wreaths, holiday gift shops, candy shop and bakery shop.

As always, we are extremely proud of our many sponsors without whom this annual event would not be possible. It is with great honor that we acknowledge the following sponsors:

Grand Sponsor: Greater Waldorf Jaycees

Major Sponsor: Anton L. Kragh Trust in memory of Eric A. Kragh

Platinum Sponsors: Jarboe Title in memory of Theresa Jarboe; Joson Fine Jewelers & Home Boutique; McDonalds Corp. Charles County; Parker Door Co., in memory of John McFarlane; Raymond Funeral Service, P.A., Michael & Tina Raymond; Southern Maryland Newspapers

Gold Sponsors: Carlson Wagonlit Travel/Action Travel Tours; Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank; Morgan Stanley; Sanford Design Group, LLC; Zonta of Charles County

Silver Sponsors: Capt. Billy’s Restaurant; Ferguson Kitchen & Bath Gallery; Mr. & Mrs. J. Michael Wilson; Joe and Marla Wustner

Bronze Sponsors: 84 Lumber; American Community Properties Trust; Dr. Barry & Mary Aron; Civista Health Inc.; Come Monday Club: Marla, Tessa, Debby, Linda, Diana; Community Bank of Tri-County; John & Tricia Green; Gustavo’s Restaurant; Huntt Funeral Home; Ingelside Vineyard; Ken & Stephanie Lemmert; Maryland Bank & Trust; Frank McKnew, Remax 100; Miloff’s Catering; Tom & Verna Posey; Robert & Diana Rucci; Bob & Peggy Shaumburg; Somerset Homes; Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative; Title Professionals; Toyota of Waldorf; Value City, Mike Ritter; Ms. Jill Williams; Anonymous

We would also like to thank Country Florist for their beautiful Christmas shop and donating 25% of all sales. Also, thank you to J&W Chocolates - Jim and Barbara Wilson for their homemade hand-dipped chocolates and for donating 50% of their proceeds to this event. And last but not least, we would like to thank the tree and wreath decorators, those who purchased wreaths, trees, carolers, santas, angels, and the countless items for sale at the festival and all those of you who attended the various events throughout the weekend. Without your support, the Festival would not be a huge success.

It is with sincere gratitude that we thank Marilyn Marchant-Weaver for her able
assistance and expertise in creating the official web site for Hospice of Charles County.

Hospice of Charles County, Inc.
2505 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD 20603
Local 301.861.5300 Fax 301.861.5317 Hearing Impaired 1-800-735-2258
All content ©2001-2004 by Hospice of Charles County, Inc

All content ©2001-2004 by Hospice of Charles County, Inc.