BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — The tally isn’t in yet, but the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Auxiliary says Saturday's Festival of Trees might be the most successful yet.

On Saturday more than 120 people attended the event which typically raises around $50,000 for the Auxiliary.

Auxiliary Manager Ramona Kennedy said it’s been the largest fundraiser for the organization since it started 19 years ago.

Kennedy was quick to offer appreciation to business sponsors, volunteers and attendees who helped make the event possible.

“I have a great group of people who help bring this together. They are the best of the best,” she said.

Work on the event begins months in advance with planning beginning in March.

“Over the last few months we ended up with some donations and tree sponsors for different categories.

Coinciding with the 25 trees that are auctioned off are the Holly Berry craft sale, grab bags from the CHMC gift shot, a silent auction, quilt raffle and 50/50 raffle.

This year Kennedy said a lottery board and two Adirondack chairs were also donated and auctioned off.

Kennedy said the event remained strong even when it was held virtually in recent years due to COVID-19 concerns.

“We did very well. We raised about $47,000 when it was held virtually and I think that’s really because we have a group of people who think outside of the box,” she said.

Overall she said the event was a major success.

“I don’t think we could have done any better,” she said. “I’m very happy with the results and I’m overwhelmed with the community’s support.”