WAUSAU, Wis. – The 14th annual Festival of Trees was a huge success, raising $152,000 in gross funds to support Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Thousands of visitors attended the annual fundraising event that took place Nov. 23-28 at Stoney Creek Inn in Rothschild. The proceeds from Festival of Trees will be used to fund a new Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services music therapy program as well as a second Hospice House community care room for patients with identified financial need.

“We’d like to thank everyone who visited the Festival of Trees and all of the volunteers who were instrumental in making this important community event so magical,” said Kalynn Pempek, Executive Director of the Aspirus Health Foundation and Volunteer Services. “We are grateful for the businesses and individuals who partnered with us to help ensure excellent end-of-life care is available to our friends and neighbors right here in north central Wisconsin.”

The special events at this year’s Festival of Trees proved to be as popular as ever. Nearly 300 people attended the Opening Night Gala, while a second seating of the Teddy Bear Breakfast was added to this year’s Festival because of the event’s popularity. The Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 seating of the Teddy Bear Breakfast each sold out, drawing a combined 432 attendees. In addition to the special events, 115 holiday items were auctioned off during the six days of the Festival.