Festival of Trees Brings Holiday Spirit and Community Together in Columbia

Festival of Trees Lights Up Columbia with Holiday Cheer

Columbia, S.C. — On a chilly Friday evening, the heart of downtown Columbia transformed into a winter wonderland as hundreds gathered for the annual Festival of Trees, a charming fundraiser hosted by the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation. With sparkling lights and festive decorations, the event marked the official kickoff of the holiday season.

A Meaningful Celebration

Katie Williams, a representative of the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation, welcomed attendees to this signature fundraising event for the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands. “Tonight is about more than just trees; it’s a celebration of our donors who make a real difference in the lives of children and their families,” she shared.

According to Williams, the proceeds from the Festival of Trees will go towards enhancing patient care at the children’s hospital. “Events like this help us not only provide the latest technology and treatments, but also create support programs for children in need,” she explained, highlighting the importance of community involvement.

Gorgeous Trees, Generous Hearts

The annual event featured a dazzling array of trees, each uniquely decorated by local businesses and individuals. These beautifully adorned trees were auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the young patients at Prisma Children’s Hospital. One notable contributor was the Beamer Family Foundation, who generously donated $50,000 this year, reflecting the strong community support for the hospital.

Heartwarming Stories

In the spirit of the evening, several families gathered to share their touching stories of how Prisma Children’s Hospital positively impacted their lives. Among them were Tyler and Lindsey Priester, whose son is a shining example of the hospital’s care. “When my son was just shy of two years old, he tragically fell in our swimming pool. He was in the PICU for about eight or nine days, and now he’s nine years old and has no developmental delays whatsoever,” said a teary-eyed Lindsey Priester. “We’re so blessed to have this hospital in our community,” Tyler added, reminding everyone just how crucial such facilities are.

Innovative Care at Prisma Children’s Hospital

Dr. Jeff Holloway, a specialist at Prisma Children’s Hospital, was on hand to talk about his unique role there. He runs the only concussion clinic in the state, providing specialized services many young patients don’t have access to elsewhere. “The concussion clinic allows me to offer care that really makes a difference in the lives of children dealing with these injuries,” he said. Dr. Holloway also has a special way of interacting with the children—by donning the bear suit of the hospital’s mascot, Buddy the Bear!

“Buddy the Bear is beloved here. He helps the kids learn about the hospital and eases their fears,” Dr. Holloway noted, illustrating the joy and warmth this festive event brings to families.

A Community Effort

The turnout for this year’s Festival of Trees surpassed expectations, with a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and goodwill. Organizers expressed their gratitude for the dedication and continued support from the community. “It’s amazing to see how so many people come together for a common cause, especially during the holiday season,” one organizer said.

As the evening wrapped up, the spirit of giving lingered in the air. The Festival of Trees not only raised funds for essential services but also reinforced the bonds within the Columbia community as everyone gears up for the holiday season. A big thank you to all who participated and contributed, ensuring that local families can rely on Prisma Children’s Hospital during times of need.