I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet…but it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. The music is already playing over the loud speakers in the mall and everyone has their decorations out and ready to sell. Christmas is all around and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! I have a personal rule, no Christmas music till Dec. 1st (or after Thanksgiving at the earliest). The same goes for decorations. BUT Thursday night I couldn’t help but get in the Christmas spirit at the annual Mercy Festival of Trees Gala. This year the event outgrew it’s previous venue at the Holiday Inn and started a new tradition at Hotel Julien Dubuque. It was a black and white gala with over 200 people in attendance. It’s the kickoff to the week long Festival of Trees. All proceeds raised at the annual event go to help fund a new ICU at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque. Last year was a fantastic turn out but I have to say I was blown away at the generosity of the people at this year’s event.

We raised more that $100,000 in one night. High items up for grabs included a trip to an Iowa football game for 6. Transportation, food and beverage provided with seats in the press box with Gary Dolphin. It sold for $2,700! Then another package sold for the same price. Unbelievable. Several people donated $5,000 for fund a floor and almost everyone bit and donated on an item. It was amazing to see everyone’s willingness to donate to such a good cause admist all that’s going on in our economy! WOW!

Anyway, KWWL was a sponsour of the event. Ron Steele was the emcee, he did a fantastic job. A professional audioneer came from the east coat to run the event. We had a table with several committee members. KWWL sales representative Trish Kennedy, myself and Jamie Grey were all present. It was a great night and let me tell you there were some amazing trees up for grabs. Take a look at a few of my favorites:

This is a Hawkeye tree with everything and anything Hawkeye on it. I suggest you go there and see it for yourself…the picture doesn’t do it justice!

This is the KWWL tree. It has a monkey theme. Sooo very cute! Also…there are dozens of other trees up for grabs here. Go see what they have. Take pictures and bid on one. It’s all happening in the Hotel Julien Dubuuqe until November 28th.

Here are some more pictures from the event:

These are the special wine labels made for the event thanks to Stone Cliff Winery. They were designed special for each table. Red and white wines inside.

Here you see Jamie Grey, Trish Kennedy and myself at our table. Right up front!

The man himself, KWWL’s Ron Steele after and excellent night of emceeing the event.

If you’d like to see more pictures click here. Photographers Ronald & Jennifer Tigges from Digital Dubuque spent the evening capturing the moments of socializing, bidding and celebrating.

And of course if you want to know more about the Festival of Trees, check out all the events at Mercy’s website.

See it for yourself it’s beautiful!
Lauren~

Posted under Dubuque, Mercy Festival of Trees