The 2014 Festival of Trees continues a tradition that started twenty-seven years ago.  The festival benefits Friends of Caroline Hospice and showcases beautifully decorated trees that are judged for their originality and creativity.  The festival kicks off with an opening gala featuring a silent auction, music, wine, beer and appetizers from local restaurants. The chairpersons of this year’s event are Dr. Brad and Cindy Collins and Kevin and Rosemary Cuppia.

[caption id="attachment_19690" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Festival-of-Trees-chairs.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-19690" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Festival-of-Trees-chairs-300x240.jpg" alt="Co-chairs for the 2014 Festival of Trees: Dr. Brad and Cindy Collins, at left, and Kevin and Rosemary Cuppia, at right. The festival benefits Friends of Caroline Hospice." width="300" height="240" /></a> Co-chairs for the 2014 Festival of Trees: Dr. Brad and Cindy Collins, at left, and Kevin and Rosemary Cuppia, at right. The festival benefits Friends of Caroline Hospice.[/caption]

Brad and Cindy are long-time supporters of the Hospital Foundation and have hosted numerous dinners for the Valentine Ball. Brad is Director of Laboratories at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and Cindy serves on the Board of Governors for Holy Trinity School. Cindy and Brad got involved with Friends of Caroline Hospice through Martha Lynn Webb, one of their neighbors and a board member of Friends.  The Collins’ family are avid boosters of UNC Chapel Hill and have helped decorate the Tar Heel Christmas tree at the festival with their daughter Allison Coppage, Dr. Katherine Hefner and other local alumni.

Kevin and Rosemary own Modern Jewelers and are big supporters of the Beaufort community.  They have been involved with the Festival of Trees for many years and have sponsored the Jewelry Tree Grab Bag as well as donated items to the silent auction. Rosemary stated, “Friends of Caroline Hospice took care of my Mom and they provided excellent care.  I am honored to be one of the co-chairs working together with Brad and Cindy who just happen to be our neighbors and friends and first time grandparents as well.”

This year’s event will be held at the Shed in Port Royal December 4 through the 6. The Opening Gala will be Thursday, December 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. The festival will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 and will include opportunities to view the trees, visit with Santa and the Elves and start your holiday shopping early at the Festival Shoppes.

Become a supporter of this year’s festival by sponsoring a tree, decorating a tree, donating an item to the silent auction, buying a ticket to the Opening Gala and telling your friends about the event. The festival has raised close to a million dollars and this treasured event would not be possible without the amazing support of businesses, community groups and individuals who donate their time, talent and treasures to make this event a success.

Friends of Caroline Hospice is committed to providing the highest quality end-of-life care to patients and their families. Friends is a local, non-profit, Medicare-certified Hospice provider that has built a “Legacy of Trust” over the past 35 years. Friends of Caroline Hospice serves individuals and families in Beaufort County and provides hospice care, bereavement and caregiver support services to all individuals in the community regardless of their ability to pay.

If you would like more information about Friends, the Festival of Trees or hospice in general, please call the office at 843-525-6257 or visit the website at www.friendsofcarolinehospice.org.
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