Columbia’s Festival of Trees Brings Community Together for a Night of Hope and Holiday Spirit

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Night of Lights and Heartwarming Stories

Excitement filled the air in downtown Columbia on Friday evening as hundreds came together for the beloved annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, hosted by the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation. This festive gathering is not just an eye-catching display of beautifully decorated trees, but also a beacon of hope and support for the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands.

Kicking Off the Holiday Season

Katie Williams from the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation expressed her enthusiasm as the event was officially underway. “Tonight is our Festival of Trees and donor celebration. This is our signature fundraising event for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands, and it is the official kickoff of the holiday season,” she said. Williams emphasized the crucial role that this event plays in funding much-needed resources for the hospital.

“It’s because of events like this that we can help enhance patient care and fundraising and philanthropy within the community,” she continued. “We can have, not just the latest and greatest in treatments and technology, but also a lot of support programs for children.” This heartwarming initiative has become a cornerstone event for the community, making a profound impact on countless young lives.

A Forest of Giving

The event showcased an impressive collection of simply stunning trees, each adorned with unique decorations, thanks to generous donations from local businesses and individuals. But the excitement didn’t just stop at the beautiful displays; each tree was up for auction, making every contribution count towards a worthy cause.

In a remarkable show of support, the Beamer Family Foundation stepped in with a jaw-dropping donation of $50,000 to the children’s hospital this year. Such generosity highlights the importance of community involvement in ensuring that local health services can thrive and provide the best care possible.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Among the attendees were Tyler and Lindsey Priester, parents whose lives were changed forever by the care their son received at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. “When my son was just shy of two years old, he tragically fell in our swimming pool,” Lindsey shared with emotion. “He was in the PICU for about eight or nine days and then went to the standard floor for therapy. My son is now nine years old. He has no developmental delays whatsoever, and so we are just so blessed.”

Tyler echoed his wife’s sentiments, highlighting how precious the hospital is to families like theirs. “You don’t know when you’re going to need the children’s hospital. We’re very fortunate to have it,” he added. Their heartfelt story is just one of many, showcasing the incredible work being done at the hospital every day.

A Unique Approach to Care

Dr. Jeff Holloway, who runs a specialized concussion clinic at the hospital, added his voice to the celebration. “The concussion clinic is something that I think is unique. It’s one of the few in the state, and it’s a service where I can provide some support that patients don’t get otherwise,” he explained.

As if that wasn’t charming enough, Dr. Holloway also takes on the delightful role of Buddy the Bear, the hospital mascot. “Buddy the Bear is the mascot for the children’s hospital. We enjoy having him there to interact with the kids, teach them a little bit about the hospital and things they might expect,” he noted, spreading joy and comfort to the little ones in a challenging time.

A Successful Turnout

As the night drew to a close, organizers of this year’s Festival of Trees expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming turnout and support. Thanks to the generous contributions from the community, this event not only sparked the holiday spirit but also paved the way for a brighter future for the children who rely on Prisma Health Midlands.

With hearts full of gratitude and hope, the community looks ahead to a season of giving, inspired by the incredible stories and the unwavering support for local healthcare.