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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend November 30, 2006 Chela Sanchez, left, and Angie Weaver created this �Home for Christmas�-themed setting for the Providence Festival of Trees along with Kellie Hill. (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven) Tree party Medford Armory brims with holiday cheer, all for a worthwhile cause By Bill Varble Mail Tribune Approaching the tree Chela Sanchez and her pals created for the Providence Festival of Trees, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd wandered into the classic movie "A Christmas Story." There's a vintage Radio Flyer wagon, an old sled and a gleaming pedal car. No plastic. Metal. No Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, though. "You'd shoot your eye out," jokes Sanchez, 26, of Central Point. "They're all refurbished," she says of the toys in the display. "We started collecting in June. We spent a grand total of $130." The tree and associated stuff, titled "Home for Christmas," is just one of the entries in this year's Festival of Trees, which is expected to draw more than 20,000 people. Advertisement Trees were installed Wednesday at the Medford Armory for this 15th annual edition of the event, which was expected to raise more than $400,000 for Providence through the annual auction of the trees, which was planned for Wednesday night. A holiday party with food and drink from some of the Rogue Valley's best restaurants, vintners and brewers is set for 6-10 p.m. tonight (admission is $60 per person; call 732-6768), with dancing to the music of the band Zion Train. The trees will stay up for public viewing from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon at the armory. "It kickstarts the holidays for a lot of people," says Susan Toner, who heads the annual event. Toner says the money raised will go toward the cost of a planned expansion of Providence BirthPlace, including birthing rooms and surgery suites as well as a remodel of the hospital's existing birth facility. New technology including fetal monitors will be part of the project, as well as baby safety features, educational materials and support programs. "It always goes to a project that has significant impact on the community," she says. "It's not going for the parking garage." She says the only paid help involved in the whole thing is an event planning service. She says it takes more than 600 volunteers to make it all happen. Among them are Sanchez and her friends, whose entry was sponsored by McDonald's franchisee Kellie Hill. "The toy boxes are stuffed with Happy Meal toys," Sanchez says. She says her group's tree last year was auctioned off for $4,200. Money, after all, is what it's about. "I'd like to walk away with between $430,000 and $480,000" for the hospital, Toner says. She says the event's expenses typically take about 26 percent of the gross amount raised. Last year it raised about $430,000. This year green isn't just about the money, it's about the decor. "People will see a different look," Toner says. "It's the 15th year. We've freshened it up. There are new canopies, new doors." And lots of green. The elaborately decorated trees, wreaths and stockings will be on display for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. During that time, visitors will be able to check out this year's play house and shop at the event's Holiday Store. Children will have the chance to have their picture taken with Santa Claus for $5. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 and older, and $3 for children under 12. Reach reporter Bill Varble at 776-4478 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com