At the annual Festival of Trees, gala attendees can bid on their favorites spectacularly decorated holiday trees. This year, the proceeds will benefit the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital's mental and behavioral health program.
Sponsored by The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation
In the early days of December, an army of elves—well, volunteers—will be busy turning the Buffalo Convention Center into a winter wonderland. The Festival of Trees gala, a premier black-tie event of Buffalo’s holiday season, returns on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 7 in support of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital.
“It’s the most magnetic, energetic celebration,” says Andrew Bennett, chief development officer at the Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation. “Folks get into the holiday spirit, and it’s elegant and beautiful and very special.”
All around the Convention Center will be scores of spectacular trees and wreaths, each decorated to themes chosen and expertly accomplished by helpers from around Western New York.
“The volunteer designers spend all year thinking about their theme and collecting their supplies,” Bennett explains. “They’re doing this entirely out of the goodness of their hearts.”
Christmas Central, owned and operated by the Gordon family, is the presenting sponsor and provides the trees and wreaths. Attendees can bid on their favorites, with the proceeds benefiting a different program at the hospital each year.
Last year, $1.9 million was raised for the children’s cancer and blood disorder program; this year, donations fund the growing mental and behavioral health program.
In 2023, OCH saw over 11,000 patients through their mental and behavioral health program, children and teens dealing with autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and more. In 2024, it's on track to reach the same number of patients, if not more.
“Covid uncovered or exacerbated some mental health challenges and brought into focus the incredible need and growing need that kids have, from something as simple as a consultation up to very intense ongoing therapies and support,” Bennett explains. “That has been a big focus for us at the foundation. We're hopeful that the very generous sponsors and donors will be as inspired as we are every day by the work of that care team.”
The yuletide magic continues with Family Day on Sunday, Dec. 8, which has already sold out in anticipation of holiday crafts, spectacular trees and visits with Santa. Anyone still wanting to marvel at the holiday wonderland is welcome to attend Community Day on Monday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, and no registration is needed.
For more information, call the foundation at 716-881-8230.
At the annual Festival of Trees, gala attendees can bid on their favorites spectacularly decorated holiday trees. This year, the proceeds will benefit the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital's mental and behavioral health program.
