News : VGH Tree Walk inspires patients, visitors and bidders

This tree with a unique message to Santa includes the locally-made stand on which it rests.

This tree contains a variety of collectible, historic local ornaments.

The CVDT/Eagle/Livewire staff created this unique wreath.

Everyone's favorite animated Disney snowman is part of the VGH Tree Walk.

This beautiful table also goes to the winning bidder of this tree.

Beautifully adorned and brilliantly illuminated holiday decorations will greet you as you enter Virginia Gay Hospital through November 25th. Five years ago the Cardiopulmonary Services Department began hosting the “Holiday Tree Walk” as a way to contribute to the annual fundraising efforts of the hospital.

Completely decorated Christmas trees and wreaths are donated by generous local individuals, businesses and VGH departments and silent auction bids are taken until Tuesday, November 25th, at 5pm sharp, when the winners are announced!

The public is invited, and welcome to view the trees any day of the week (night or day) and place their bids.

Last year, 40 fully decorated trees generated more than $5,700 in donations to purchase crucial medical equipment to better serve our communities. “This year we have more than 50 trees, wreaths and gifts and it’s our goal to raise $10,000 for needed equipment and supplies,” said Kim Swore, co-coordinator of the Tree Walk.

Please visit the main lobby area of Virginia Gay Hospital to view, bid on, and support our annual Tree Walk fundraiser.

Below is a description of the entries in this year's event:

“A Journey through Vinton”, donated by Cardiac Rehab at VGH, Coleen Long and Jamie Erger: Jessy’s Gems donated some of the collectors ornaments

2. “Olaf” donated by Karleen Langham, Resp. Therapy Dept at VGH

3. “Countdown to Christmas advent calendar w/ gifts” donated by Monkeytown: Kurt and Lu Karr

4. “Spirit of Christmas” donated by Wilson-Hite

5. “Date Night” donated by Resmed Medical

6. “Party into the New Year” donated by LaGrange Pharmacy

7. “The Elf on the Shelf” donated by the Mossman Law Firm

8. “Light up your Holiday” donated by Nature’s Corner

9. “Black and Gold Christmas wreath” donated by Rehab Vision Therapy Services at VGH

10. “Pretty as a Peacock” donated by Anwar Yousef, Resp. Therapy dept at VGH

11. “Bear Necessities”, donated by the Kacena Family Tree Farm

12. “Man Cave Christmas”, donated by Stephenson Collision Center, handcrafted by Dawn Stephenson of VGH

13. “Quilted Christmas” donated and handcrafted by Donna Thompson, June McGowan, and Leslie Mullinex

14. “A Ducky Christmas”, donated by Randy Suchomel –Aflac

15. A “Purr-fect Christmas” donated by Taylor and Peyton Frank on behalf of FOTSI

16. “A Golden Christmas” donated by Karr Mobile Concrete and Septic Service

17. “Owl be Home for Christmas” wreath donated by Vinton Livewire and Vinton Newspapers

18. “Scentsy Christmas” donated by Tina Eden, DON at VGH

19. “Barnyard Christmas” donated by Kim Frank, HRD at VGH

20. “A Mickey and Minnie Christmas” donated by Richard and Jackie Bear at VGH

21. “Simply Beautiful” wreath donated by Farmers Savings Bank

22. “A Beary Merry Christmas” donated by Clipper Corner

23. “A Stitched Christmas” donated by the VGH Foundation and handcrafted by Ann Harrison

24. “Perfectly Peacock” donated by Peyton and Taylor Frank of VGH

25. “A Little Bit of Warmth” donated and handcrafted anonymously

26. “A Beachy Christmas” donated by Quality Medical and Midwest Sleep Services

27. “The Sweet Life” donated and handcrafted by the staff at Windsor Manor

28. “A Flashy Christmas and Breast Cancer shirt” donated by VGH’s Breast Cancer walk team “Just Cuz”, made by Donna Martinec, VGH Laundry

29. The “Clumsy Elephant” donated by Kim Frank, HRD at VGH

30. “Jesus is the Reason” donated by Bill and Jane White at Nelson’s Furniture

31. “Starry Night” donated by Mattie Easter, Resp Therapy dept at VGH

32. “Old Fashion Christmas” donated by the Home Health dept at VGH

33. “A Golden Christmas” wreath donated by Barb Merchant

34. “A Nutty Christmas” donated by Jill and Brad ”PR” Johnson

35. “Harley Christmas” donated by Suzy Robinson and Rick Lazenby from EVS at VGH

36. “A Redneck Christmas” donated and handcrafted by Kim Swore, Resp. Therapy Mgr at VGH

37. “A Handcrafted Christmas” donated and all ornaments handcrafted by the middle school cooks at VSEA: Becky Williams, Lisa Clark, Louise Lazenby and Sasha Mohr

38. “Cookin’ Christmas” donated by Robin Martin, Admin Secretary at VGH

39. “Silver Wrapped Christmas” donated by Tina Boesenberg, Resp. Therapy dept at VGH

40. “Advent Calendar” and gifts donated by Dr. Brian and Linda Meeker, VGH

41. “Traditional Christmas” donated by Center Point Foods

42. “Breast Cancer Awareness Christmas” donated by Denice and Emmett Stephenson, Vinton Tire and Auto

43. “Merry Cash-mas” donated by the Center Point Bank

44. “Frosty the Snowman” donated by Koop’s Auto

45. “A Hootin’ Good Holiday” donated by Chris Brown from the Resp. Therapy dept at VGH

46. “An Elegant Christmas” donated by Kurt’s Enterprises

This event continues to be sponsored by Edward Jones in Vinton thanks to Dean Studer and his staff.

Sidenote: we still have 3 more items to come in and there are 2 of the #28 items to bid seperately on. There are also handmade 5 pc knitted sweater sets for sale at $20/pkg handcrafted by the same donor who wishes to remain anonymous. You must see the detail to truly appreciate the amount of work in each item and tree listed above.
We continue to be impressed with the caliber and dedication to VGH by all of the the people and businesses that make this event so special year after year. Please stop by anytime of day or night, 7 days/week. Bidding closes at 5:00pm sharp on Tuesday, November 25th…just in time to take with you for the holidays. Merry Christmas from the staff at VGH!