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Detail of Christmas tree decorations at the Mary Bridge Children's Festival of Trees.

The 34th annual Festival of Trees Gala raised more than $1.6 million for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital on Saturday, December 4. Festival of Trees is the largest annual fundraiser for the hospital and benefits programs and services at the only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Western Washington. In addition to surpassing this year’s fundraising goal, the live auction portion of the evening made event history.

“The Kate Tree,” one of the 17 featured holiday trees, sold for $600,000, breaking Festival records for the largest amount ever donated for a single tree. Decorated in memory of Kate Irwin, the eldest daughter of long-time Mary Bridge Children’s pediatric oncologist, Robert Irwin, MD, the tree featured things Kate loved, including bright colors, goldendoodles, handwritten letters, global travel, Nordstrom and Starbucks. Kate fought a courageous battle with breast cancer and before she passed in 2019, made friends and family promise to find the light amid darkness and to live out her mantra: No bad days. Designers Mackenzie Fruge, Katelyn Krzmarzick and Bridget Upshaw wanted to honor Kate and invite others to live like she did, with kindness and optimism.

“What an incredible evening full of inspiration, generosity and hope,” said Alicia Chapman, executive director of Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation. “We’re so grateful to all who volunteered, donated and attended this year’s event. Thanks to the many individuals, businesses and organizations that supported this year’s Festival of Trees, Mary Bridge Children’s will continue to expand access to care and services for all children in our region.”

More than 600 people tuned in virtually to the Festival of Trees Gala. Festival of Trees is organized by the Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation in partnership with the Mary Bridge Brigade. Since its founding in 1921, the Brigade has raised more than $50 million for Mary Bridge Children’s.

Presenting sponsors for this year’s Festival of Trees were E9 Brewing Company, Tom & Meg Names Family Foundation, The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Potelco and Sound Physicians. For more information, visit Festival of Trees.