COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hundreds gathered near downtown Columbia Friday evening for Prisma Health Midlands Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees fundraiser.
Katie Williams with the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation said the Festival of Trees event raises funds that will be spent all around the children’s hospital.
“Tonight is our Festival of Trees and donor celebration. This is our signature fundraising event for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands, and it is the official kickoff of the holiday season,” Williams said.
She explained how the fundraiser benefitted the hospital.
“It’s because of events like this that we can help enhance patient care and fundraising and philanthropy within the community. We can have, not just the latest and greatest in treatments and technology, but also a lot of support programs for children,” she said.
Businesses, as well as individuals, donated and decorated the wide array of trees that were on display during the event. Each of the trees was auctioned off as part of the fundraiser.
The Beamer Family Foundation was also a major donor this year, contributing $50,000 to the children’s hospital.
Tyler and Lindsey Priester are parents who credit Prisma Children’s Hospital with saving their son’s life.
“When my son was just shy of two years old, he tragically fell in our swimming pool. He was in the PICU for about eight or nine days and then went to the standard floor for therapy. My son is now nine years old. He has no developmental delays whatsoever, and so we are just so blessed,” Lindsey Priester said.
“You don’t know when you’re going to need the children’s hospital. We’re very fortunate to have it,” Tyler Priester added.
Dr. Jeff Holloway works at Prisma Children’s Hospital where he runs the concussion clinic.
“The concussion clinic is something that I think is unique. It’s one of the few in the state, and it’s something that is a service (where) I can provide some services that patients don’t get otherwise,” Holloway said.
He also portrays the hospital’s mascot, Buddy the Bear.
“Buddy the Bear is the mascot for the children’s hospital. We enjoy having him there to interact with the kids, teach them a little bit about the hospital and things they might expect,” Holloway explained.
Organizers for this year’s fundraiser say the turnout for the event exceeded their expectations and are grateful to all those who continue to support the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation.