ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER WILL BENEFIT THROUGH TREE GALA

The St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary is planning its annual Christmas Tree Gala for Nov. 15 at Drury Lodge.

Funds raised from the event will benefit the hospital. The auxiliary purchases equipment with the money and donates it to a different hospital department each year.

This year's gala will include five, seven-foot trees, two four-foot trees and three miniature trees, all donated by the auxiliary and decorated by businesses. The trees will be auctioned off at the gala.

Business decorating the trees are Rhodes 101 Stops, Francine's Flower and Garden Shop, Capital Bank, Friends of St. Francis and the St. Francis Auxiliary.

In addition, several other businesses are donating Christmas wreaths and floral centerpieces.

The auxiliary hopes to raise between $8,000 and $10,000 from the gala, Judy Schott, an auxiliary member.

Those who purchase the trees at the gala will no longer have to transport them to their home or office, Schott said.

"This is a new feature we've started this year," Schott said. "The trees will be delivered for them.

"Usually the trees are decorated very extravagantly, and each one has a specific theme."

The auxiliary's tree has a silver and gold theme, and the treetop ornament is a nativity scene imported from Germany.

The cost of the gala is $10 per person, which includes hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling the hospital at 335-1251 and asking for Diane Scherer. The auction begins at 7 p.m.