Festival of Trees

The 20th Annual Festival of Trees, held on November 18, 2017, raised over $70,000 that will directly benefit patients and their families that receive hospice Care through Parkview Noble and LaGrange. The annual event is organized jointly by Parkview Noble Foundation and Parkview LaGrange Foundation, whose philanthropic goals include funding “above and beyond” hospital projects and services in our area that benefit patients and their families.

Contributing to the success of the event were numerous sponsors, the 432 guests that attended the Gala Dinner, the capacity numbers at partner TC Dance’s Holiday Performance, Open House visitors and those who purchased ornaments in memory of loved ones.

Gala Dinner, M.C. Fred Inniger spoke about the importance of hospice in our community as he introduced speakers and entertainment during the evening. Guest speakers Kelly Clifford, daughter of Mike Reade, and Jessica Morris, daughter of Linda Speakman-Yerrick, shared memories about their parents and their gratitude for hospice care.

Local band “Second Wind” provided Christmas music before dinner and an entertaining post-dinner music, including a song specially composed for the 20th Annual Festival of Trees. The band, which includes local physicians and others involved in health care, was applauded for donating their time and talents to the event.

The compassionate end-of-life care provided to our neighbors and friends through Parkview Hospice is based on a simple belief, best expressed by the founder of the hospice movement, Dame Cicely Saunders (1918-2005): “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the last moment of your life.”

“We are proud to live in such a caring and generous community that values the quality of life to its last moments,“ concluded Cathy Linsenmayer, director of the Parkview Noble Foundation.

Award Winners:

Lifetime Award for Outstanding Contributions to Hospice was presented to Tom and Morag Miller of Miller’s Pharmacy in Topeka.

Judges’ award – 7’ Trees:

• First: Orchard Pointe (sponsor), Meaghan Ritchey (decorator). 
• Second: Lutheran Life Villages (sponsor), Parkview Needle Workers (decorators). 
• Third: Avalon Village (sponsor and decorator). 

People’s Choice Awards: 

• 7foot tree: KPC Media Group (sponsor), LeAnn Conley (decorator). 
• 3foot tree: “Woodland Christmas,” Fran Bailey and Kristy Lyons (sponsor and decorators). 
• Wreath: “Believe in the Magic of Christmas,” Kendallville Fire Department (sponsor and decorator).