Nathan Adelson Hospice Festival of Trees on Saturday

A popular holiday mainstay is returning to Pahrump on Saturday.

Officials with Nathan Adelson Hospice (NAH) say the “Festival of Trees” is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

The ninth annual event is set for this Saturday Dec. 7, inside the Grill Room of Mountain Falls.

Tyann James, the agency’s Physician/Community Outreach Representative said local individuals and businesses purchase the trees which are decorated and then auctioned off during the event.

The gala allows the facility to continue providing hospice care for families who cannot afford other alternatives for their loved ones.

“We provide the trees and wreaths and they are all of different sizes. We have four-foot trees and seven-foot trees. The wreaths are 24 inches. We have different sponsorship levels that can be purchased. The large trees are $500, the four foot-trees are $250 and the wreaths are $100. The people buy them, decorate them and return them to Mountain Falls. On the night of the event, they are auctioned off and the proceeds that we make from this event comes back into Nathan Adelson for funding uncompensated care,” she said.

James also noted that although the event is a fun and spirited affair, its main purpose should remain front and center on the minds of those who are taking part in it.

“We don’t just provide services to Pahrump, we also go into Amargosa Valley and Crystal for patients who have health care but don’t have total health care. This is really a valuable service that helps families and individuals in unfortunate situations,” she said.

So far, three of the seven-foot trees have been bought while five four-foot trees and more than a dozen wreaths were purchased and will be auctioned.

Stephanie Forbes, NAH marketing director, said past events have raised between $20,000 and $25,000 for the agency.

“It’s a huge amount of support from a small community in one night and we are so very thankful for it.”

James, meanwhile, said the event has changed dramatically for the better, over the years.

A mere eight years ago, the inaugural Festival of Trees was an auction only event but participation has been greater after a few more amenities were added as of late.

“I wasn’t there at that time, but I was told that it initially was more like a cocktail reception. The very first one I believe had people just stopping by to bid on the trees and wreaths. There was no dinner, entertainment, or silent auction. It has slowly evolved and got bigger. More people were willing to make bids and it turned into a sit-down dinner and gala event with live entertainment instead of just a few hours,” she said.

Nathan Adelson Hospice’s Rev. Julie Platson is a spiritual care and bereavement advisor said the gala was a wonderfully, successful event that some residents may have to rely on at one time or another.

“Individuals and organizations were very generous with their hearts and support this year. Many thanks to all who offered their support in so many ways.”

The gala event was initially held at the Pahrump Nugget but has since outgrown the location.

Just 150 tickets will be available and may be purchased by contacting an NAH representative at 751-6700.

Live entertainment will be provided by Lynn Petersen and the Phatt Kattz.

Dinner will be an entree choice of chicken or filet mignon with sides and holiday desserts.

There will also be a no-host bar.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for cocktails and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.