Around Christmas time every year the Festival of Trees takes place. This is an event held
to help bring in money for the Primary Childrens Hospital here in Utah. People donate all sorts
of things from holiday decorations, quilts, gingerbread houses, beautiful trees, time, and so
much more. Putting so much time and effort into something this big calls for many resources,
that’s why the Mountain America Exposition Center donates their facility free of charge, all the
workers are there because they want to be, and everything down to the last piece of fudge was
donated, to help kids from all around to get the help they need. Stealing the show are the
beautiful trees, isles and isles of trees that went up for auction, ranging from $200 to over
$25,000, this really is an event for the books.
The first tree on the list is this beautiful
tree named “My Greatest Adventure”.
This tree’s theme was based on the movie
“UP”. With all the little details, including
their hand–stamped mailbox and their
wedding photo, Emily Shepherd hit it right
on the head. Many of the trees are
donated in honor of someone’s loved one,
Emily made it for her husband. She says “I
donate a tree every year and have made
several in honor of a loved one who has
passed. This tree is extra special, as I
created it to honor a loved one who is still
here on earth with me. My husband Brian and I often say we are like Carl and Ellie. While we
didn’t meet when we were kids, we have created our own lifelong love story. We have seen
each other through many highs and lows, that life has thrown our way; job promotions, babies,
having the best days ever. Job losses, cancer, losing pets and parents, and having some of the
worst days imaginable. We’ve been together for 19 years, and not only do I love him to pieces,
but I really, really, like him as much as I did when we met. He is my best friend and my rock. The
best husband and father I could as for, and this tree is my way of telling him he has been and
will FOREVER be my greatest adventure.” With everything going on in her life, Emily still found
the time to make and donate a tree for her wonderful husband. This goes to show how magical
the Christmas season is!
Next on the list is a tree called “Delivery Smiles”.
Many people that donate trees want to remain
anonymous, so they go under the name of “Friends of
Festival”. Looking at this tree, you see many things
ranging from Lego cars to new Nike shows, and a few
pictures of a boy named “Jared Von Baker”. His family
tells his story by saying, “The tree standing before you
stands a heartfelt tribute to the cherished memory of
Jared Von Baker (January 6, 2007 – October 3, 2023). No
arrangement of words can adequately encapsulate the
remarkable life of this extraordinary young man, a
source of inspiration and blessing to all fortunate
enough to have known him. Jared faced the daunting
diagnosis of stage 4 cancer at the tender age of 9,
transforming him into a courageous warrior who
valiantly battled for seven years. The backdrop of his
journey unfolded at Primary Children’s Hospital, where,
fortified by the unwavering love and support of his family, Jared fought with bravery and
humility. On October 3, 2023, Jared passed his earthly test and graduated to his Heavenly
home. This tree stands as a reflection of Jared’s passions, showcasing his love for sports cars,
Legos, lacrosse, skiing, and Nike shoes, among other things. Yet, beyond these interests, Jared’s
deepest affection was reserved for his family and friends. His bond with his mother, a steadfast
companion throughout every struggle, remains an especially remarkable and unbreakable
connection. Their enduring unity serves as a beacon of inspiration for those touched by Jared’s
story. Jared loved the Lord and his faith in Him was evident in how he lived his life.”
“Clay Holbrook and his wife of 25 years,
Andrea, were the proud parents of three
wonderful children, Abby, Hank, and Jed,
and grandparents to Quinn and Hudson,
two beautiful children of Abby and Kody
Hunter. Clay passed away on January 30,
2023, at the age of 45 leaving an
enormous void in the lives of their family
and in the lives of all having the pleasure
of associating with Clay during his short
tenure on earth. Clay was a soccer
enthusiast, coaching for many soccer
club teams and most recently coaching
for the Farmington High School soccer
program. Clay was known as the go to guy for soccer in Northern Utah coaching many youths,
(including his own children) for the past 25 years since graduating from Woods Cross High
School. Clay continually exemplified the true spirit of Christmas by giving of himself to anyone
and everyone who stood in need of service. He freely gave love and in return received the love
Many people that donate trees want to remain
anonymous, so they go under the name of “Friends of
Festival”. Looking at this tree, you see many things
ranging from Lego cars to new Nike shows, and a few
pictures of a boy named “Jared Von Baker”. His family
tells his story by saying, “The tree standing before you
stands a heartfelt tribute to the cherished memory of
Jared Von Baker (January 6, 2007 – October 3, 2023). No
arrangement of words can adequately encapsulate the
remarkable life of this extraordinary young man, a
source of inspiration and blessing to all fortunate
enough to have known him. Jared faced the daunting
diagnosis of stage 4 cancer at the tender age of 9,
transforming him into a courageous warrior who
valiantly battled for seven years. The backdrop of his
journey unfolded at Primary Children’s Hospital, where,
fortified by the unwavering love and support of his family, Jared fought with bravery and
humility. On October 3, 2023, Jared passed his earthly test and graduated to his Heavenly
home. This tree stands as a reflection of Jared’s passions, showcasing his love for sports cars,
Legos, lacrosse, skiing, and Nike shoes, among other things. Yet, beyond these interests, Jared’s
deepest affection was reserved for his family and friends. His bond with his mother, a steadfast
companion throughout every struggle, remains an especially remarkable and unbreakable
connection. Their enduring unity serves as a beacon of inspiration for those touched by Jared’s
story. Jared loved the Lord and his faith in Him was evident in how he lived his life.”
“Clay Holbrook and his wife of 25 years,
Andrea, were the proud parents of three
wonderful children, Abby, Hank, and Jed,
and grandparents to Quinn and Hudson,
two beautiful children of Abby and Kody
Hunter. Clay passed away on January 30,
2023, at the age of 45 leaving an
enormous void in the lives of their family
and in the lives of all having the pleasure
of associating with Clay during his short
tenure on earth. Clay was a soccer
enthusiast, coaching for many soccer
club teams and most recently coaching
for the Farmington High School soccer
program. Clay was known as the go to guy for soccer in Northern Utah coaching many youths,
(including his own children) for the past 25 years since graduating from Woods Cross High
School. Clay continually exemplified the true spirit of Christmas by giving of himself to anyone
and everyone who stood in need of service. He freely gave love and in return received the love
and admiration from all who knew him! CLAY IS MISSED DEARLY!!” This tree is called “Santa
Clay”, decorated by Karen Banks and Julie White. You can tell that Clay truly was an amazing
man, having people around to love him. And what better way to be remembered than in a tree.
A Restaurant we all know, and love has
now been made in gingerbread form. Being as
famous as it is, In–N–Out had to be done right,
and Jacob Andrews did just that. “1948, starting
as a modest Drive–thru burger stand in Baldwin
Park, California. Over the years, it has grown
into an iconic and beloved fast–food chain,
celebrated for its commitment to quality and
freshness. The “not–so–secret” menu and
emphasis on simplicity have garnered a
dedicated fanbase, making In–N–Out a cultural
staple on the West Coast. Its impact is felt
through its enduring success and the way it has set a high standard for fast–food quality and
customer satisfaction. In–N–Out’s legacy extends beyond the world of fast food. It stands as a
testament to the power of maintaining core values, quality, and customer loyalty, with a reach
that has influenced the industry far beyond its Californian roots. The discreet inclusion of Bible
verses on the cups serves as a reminder of the brand’s roots and has become a signature part of
the In–N–Out experience, embodying the Snyder family’s commitment to their faith and
principles. In memory of Harry and Esther Snyder.”
Every person on this list was loved and helped the best they could’ve been. With each
dollar donated, one more person can get the proper care and help they need. Primary Childrens
hospital will do everything in their power to help give these kids a chance at living a normal life.
From helping kids with diabetes, to cancer, they’re there for you. And one major event that
brings in donations, and to help make it all possible, is the Festival of Trees. Every Christmas
season there is a chance to help others, even if its just buying the tickets and walking around, it
all goes to a good cause either way. So be sure to buy your tickets today!
Clay”, decorated by Karen Banks and Julie White. You can tell that Clay truly was an amazing
man, having people around to love him. And what better way to be remembered than in a tree.
A Restaurant we all know, and love has
now been made in gingerbread form. Being as
famous as it is, In–N–Out had to be done right,
and Jacob Andrews did just that. “1948, starting
as a modest Drive–thru burger stand in Baldwin
Park, California. Over the years, it has grown
into an iconic and beloved fast–food chain,
celebrated for its commitment to quality and
freshness. The “not–so–secret” menu and
emphasis on simplicity have garnered a
dedicated fanbase, making In–N–Out a cultural
staple on the West Coast. Its impact is felt
through its enduring success and the way it has set a high standard for fast–food quality and
customer satisfaction. In–N–Out’s legacy extends beyond the world of fast food. It stands as a
testament to the power of maintaining core values, quality, and customer loyalty, with a reach
that has influenced the industry far beyond its Californian roots. The discreet inclusion of Bible
verses on the cups serves as a reminder of the brand’s roots and has become a signature part of
the In–N–Out experience, embodying the Snyder family’s commitment to their faith and
principles. In memory of Harry and Esther Snyder.”
Every person on this list was loved and helped the best they could’ve been. With each
dollar donated, one more person can get the proper care and help they need. Primary Childrens
hospital will do everything in their power to help give these kids a chance at living a normal life.
From helping kids with diabetes, to cancer, they’re there for you. And one major event that
brings in donations, and to help make it all possible, is the Festival of Trees. Every Christmas
season there is a chance to help others, even if its just buying the tickets and walking around, it
all goes to a good cause either way. So be sure to buy your tickets today!
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