Our Story

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE

Our History

The Christmas Festival of Trees is 39! The history of the Festival of Trees is rich with love and commitment to Talbot Hospice, a caring organization offering end of life care to our area’s residents. One of the early patients in hospice care was Mrs. Robert Fuller. Leslie Ware, her neighbor and friend and Midge Fuller, her daughter-in-law were instrumental in reaching out to hospice. Leslie had seen an article in “Southern Living” magazine about a Festival of Trees in Wilmington, NC. 

After the loss of Virginia Fuller in 1984, Leslie and Midge attended the Wilmington Festival of Trees. Together they founded Friends of Hospice and presented the idea of creating a Festival of Trees fundraiser for Talbot Hospice. The idea was welcomed with open arms and Leslie and Midge spent the next twelve months organizing committees, ordering supplies, speaking to local groups about hospice and recruiting local businesses and friends to support and participate. The result… in Nov. 1986 a beautiful new tradition began in our community – The Festival of Trees.

ABOUT US

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE

Friends of Hospice was formed in 1984 to raise funds to benefit hospice patients and their families in Talbot County by hosting an annual fundraising event and to bring awareness to the community members about hospice care. This event continues to be immensely successful and is made possible through the work of hundreds of volunteers. The Festival annually assists with Hospice’s operating budget which benefits the terminally ill living in Talbot County.

The Friends of Hospice has donated over 3.7 million dollars to the Talbot Hospice Foundation 
all generated from the Annual Festival of Trees event.

FRIENDS OF HOSPICE

OUR MISSION

Friends of Hospice was formed in 1984 to raise monies to benefit hospice patients and their families in Talbot County by hosting an annual fundraising event and to bring awareness to community members about Hospice Care.

WE REMEMBER & HONOR

HOSPICE MEMORIAL TREE

The centerpiece of the Festival is the Hospice Memorial Tree which is adorned with white doves holding the names of those Individuals who have passed away under Hospice care.

 

OUR AMAZING TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brenda Forbes-Butler
Dana McGrath
Carol Harrison
Catherine Carouge
Dori Gowe-Lambert
Midge Menzies
Joanne Newmier
Casey Rauch
Alisha Saulsbury
Leslie Ware
Patty Fox
Karla Wieland-Cherry
Sarah Harris
Katie Williams

2024 FESTIVAL OF TREES CHAIRS

Karla Wieland-Cherry
Midge Menzies
Brenda Forbes-Butler
Susan Clifford
Susan Wendt
Holly Anderson
Chloe Milligan
Dale Jafari
Gale Shorter
Kari Diefenderfer
Bob Garrett
Paul Garrett
Brenda Andrew Allison Satchell
Sandy Chambers
Jonathan Moore
Summer Moore
Avonda Rounds
Catherine Carouge
Jessica Abbonizio