Festival of Trees returns to Mountain Falls

The objective is simple. Employees from local businesses come together to decorate Christmas trees, wreaths and stockings, which are then auctioned off and the proceeds benefit Pahrump's Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Susan Holecheck, community outreach manager, said the annual event is the largest fundraiser of the year.

"I attended last year's event before I was employed by Nathan Adelson Hospice and it really took my breath away," she said. "This year we have about four or five 7-foot trees and we have about four or five 4-foot trees as well as Christmas wreaths. This year we did something different by adding Christmas stockings stuffed with all kinds of goodies."

The year's fundraiser will be held Friday, Dec. 4, at Mountain Falls.

The gala evening will include dinner and cocktails.

Following dinner comes the popular auction.

"It is really amazing what some of these trees and wreaths bring in because people are so generous," Holecheck said. "If you have not been there, it's a real treat and I would encourage everyone to attend. I saw three trees last year with a patriotic theme and they were absolutely gorgeous. Most of the time we think of Christmas colors as just being red and green, but last year there was a copper-colored wreath that I just thought was gorgeous."

Additionally, Holecheck said individuals and couples need not worry about wearing fancy attire to the event.

"In years past, it was more formal and a lot of times I think that people hesitate to go to something because they feel they don't have the right attire," she said. "This event is a nice casual affair and for us ladies, sometimes we like to dress up. If you want to, we welcome that but we don't want people to think they can't come because they are not dressed appropriately."

Holecheck said those who cannot attend the event, but would like to offer a donation to the hospice may do so.

"If they have something they can donate as a raffle prize we would certainly welcome that," she said. "I have tickets to the event and they can either call me or stop by the office. People can also get tickets at the door. Anyone who wants tickets can call me on my cell which is (775) 291-0541, or they can call on the main number which is (775) 751-6700."

Nathan Adelson Hospice has been in Pahrump for more than 15 years and has provided more than $1 million in uncompensated care to patients, as they are a not-for-profit agency.

The hospice also serves populations in Amargosa Valley, Beatty and Crystal.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @sharrispvt