The lobbies of Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus and Bayhealth Milford Memorial are lined with Christmas trees and the giving spirit thanks to the 12th Annual Festival of Trees.
Bayhealth’s Festival of Trees is a tradition that calls for hospital departments to decorate trees that are then displayed in the lobbies of each hospital before being raffled off. The event is a chance for team members to get in the Christmas spirit while raising money for a good cause – the Employee Assistance Fund.
The Employee Assistance Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to Bayhealth team members in times of difficulty. Many Bayhealth employees regularly contribute to the fund and thousands of dollars go out to assist in unforeseen emergencies.
“This is truly a holiday tradition that keeps growing,” says Jane Hewitt, lead patient advocate. Her department oversees the event in conjunction with the Bayhealth Foundation. “This lets our coworkers know we care about them and want to help in times of need. I’m really proud of our staff for getting involved and helping each other out.”
The trees were decorated the week of Thanksgiving and are now up for raffle. There are 95 trees between both hospitals. Through Thursday, Dec. 20 staff and community members can purchase raffle tickets for their favorite trees. The trees will be raffled off on Thursday, Dec. 20.
Last year’s Festival of Trees brought in $8,000 for the fund, and Hewitt expects the success of the fundraiser to keep growing. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 each or six for $5 at the Ambulatory Pharmacy at the Kent Campus or the front desk of either hospital. For more information about Bayhealth’s Festival of Trees, call Patient Advocate Jane Hewitt at 302-744-7085.
