Thursday, December 1, 2011 9:15 am

    The Hospice of Rutherford County Festival of Trees which typically raises approximately $25,000 is taking place now through December 8.  The annual fundraiser will assist the organization in serving terminally ill patients regardless of ability to pay and provide grief counseling at no cost for anyone in the community who lost a loved one.  Hospice began this special event fifteen years ago to give people an end-of-year giving opportunity and a way to honor and/or memorialize loved ones during the holidays.  

    This year, Hospice volunteers made hundreds of clay snowflake ornaments.  People can make a donation of their choice and have their loved ones’ names attached to the ornament and placed on trees at the Carolina Event and Conference Center. The Festival of Trees will culminate with a drop-in celebration Thursday, December 8 from 4:30 until 6:30pm. All donors are invited to view the trees and take their ornaments home for the holidays.  Anyone who is unable to attend the event can stop by CECC Monday-Friday between 8am and 5pm to pick up the ornaments.  

    Hospice still has a few ornaments available to honor or memorialize loved ones.  The average donation per ornament has traditionally been approximately $20, but all donations are appreciated.  For more information about the Festival of Trees, call 828-245-0095.