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Support stays strong for hospital fundraiser, organizer says
By Cheryl Powell
Beacon Journal medical writer
Published on Thursday, Nov 20, 2008
Santa's helpers were out in full force Tuesday to deck the halls for an Akron holiday tradition.
Volunteers were busy setting up and decorating more than 300 trees, wreaths, miniatures and other seasonal items in preparation for the 27th Akron Children's Hospital Holiday Tree Festival at the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron.
The decorated trees and other donated items on display will be available to purchase, with proceeds supporting Akron Children's patient care programs, equipment purchases, medical research and education.
In the past 26 years, the Holiday Tree Festival has raised nearly $3.5 million. Last year, the event netted $221,000 for the hospital.
Despite economic troubles nationwide, community support is as strong as ever, said Heather Jalbert, chairwoman of the Holiday Tree Festival.
''We have more wreaths and trees than ever,'' she said. ''For a bad economy, I'm amazed. I'm so thrilled in such a bad economy we have so many people being so generous.''
The annual fundraiser takes a year of planning and about 1,400 volunteers to pull together, Jalbert said.
Al and Marie Cooley of Akron were among the dozens of volunteers carefully decorating elaborate trees Tuesday morning while Christmas music played overhead at the Knight Center.
As is the case with many of the trees on display, the Cooleys' contribution holds a personal tale within its limbs.
Seven years ago, the couple's granddaughter, Jaylene Davis, was treated at Akron Children's Hospital for cancer.
Jaylene, now 10, remains in remission.
This year marks the second time the Cooleys have donated and decorated a tree for the festival as a way to thank the hospital for saving Jaylene.
''They did such a good job taking care of her,'' Marie Cooley said.
Their creation this year is titled ''Icy Splendor,'' complete with icicles, pine cones and a stuffed polar bear mother and baby tucked beneath.
The festival opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and continues through Nov. 30.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Special Thanksgiving hours are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
The popular holiday event typically draws more than 250,000 people each year. For more information about the festival, visit or call 330-543-8100.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or chpowell@thebeaconjournal.com.
Santa's helpers were out in full force Tuesday to deck the halls for an Akron holiday tradition.
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Akron, oh
Posted 10:44 AM, 11/21/2008
Personally I think we need shrubbery instead....
