On November 22, the Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary hosted their annual Festival of Trees Gala at the Canasawacta Country Club. The event raised between $20,000 and $25,000 to support hospital programs and equipment. Pictured, The Festival of Trees Planning Committee: Megan McKown, Jamie Gaudreau-Moore, Kelly Collins-Colosi, Virginia Lee, Katie Voss, Jen Bartle and Katie Root. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – On Saturday, November 22, the Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary hosted their annual Festival of Trees Gala at the Canasawacta Country Club, bringing together 222 community members for an evening of celebration and philanthropy.

This signature biannual event is organized by the CMH Auxiliary, a dedicated fundraising body for UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. The 2025 event is estimated to raise between $20,000 and $25,000 to support hospital programs and equipment.

Jen Bartle, Festival of Trees Chair, stated, “This year I took over as Chair of Festival of Trees after learning so much over the past 12 years from Katie Voss and her Mom, Nancy Mirabito.” She continued, “I was thrilled with the success of our event last weekend and am very proud to support our hospital and the Auxiliary’s mission.”

The evening's theme, "A Winter's Night Masquerade," transformed the venue into an elegant winter wonderland. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, dinner, and live entertainment by Brothers and Friends, previously known as Brotherhood. A highlight of the gala was the silent auction, featuring 80 items donated by local businesses and community members. Every single item found a winning bidder, demonstrating the community's enthusiastic support.

Bartle stated, “We are very, very thankful for the generosity of many small and large businesses, as well as individuals, in our community who showed up in a big way with their support.”

Funds raised through the Festival of Trees will be directed toward purchasing necessary equipment, facility improvements, and directly impacting the quality of care available to local residents. The CMH Auxiliary recently donated $40,000 to UHS Chenano Memorial Hospital to enhance the new Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Suite.

“My wife and I were honored to attend our first Festival of Trees,” said Cecil Miller, President and CEO of UHS Chenango Memorial. “The CMH Auxiliary’s tireless fundraising and steadfast advocacy strengthens our hospital in meaningful ways – enhancing the care we provide and uplifting every patient and family we serve. We are grateful for their partnership and for all they make possible”

The CMH Auxiliary extends thanks to all sponsors, especially Diamond level sponsors: NBT Bank, Norwich Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Norwich Wealth Management, Blueox, and Yacanos. Their support and commitment make events like this possible.

Special recognition also goes to the Canasawacta Country Club and Heather McShane, South Broad Mercantile for their contributions, and the dedicated Festival of Trees Planning Committee: Jen Bartle, Megan McKown, Katie Root, Virginia Lee, Katie Voss, Jamie Gaudreau-Moore, and Kelly Collins-Colosi.

The CMH Auxiliary invites the community to participate in two upcoming events: our second annual Be The Light Ceremony and Breakfast with Santa.

This holiday season, CMH Auxiliary invites you to “Be The Light” to celebrate the impact of Chenango Memorial Hospital on Our Community. With a suggested donation of $20, you can celebrate or memorialize a friend, colleague, or loved one by helping to light the Newton House in front of the Hospital. Join us for the lighting ceremony on Monday, December 1st at 6pm at the Newton House on UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s campus.

Breakfast with Santa returns this year, on Saturday December 6th, from 8am-10am at the VFW Post 2782 in Norwich. Attendees at this family friendly event receive a full breakfast, photos with Santa, and a raffle entry. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Norwich Family YMCA, the Pink Door Thrift Store, and at the door.

If you are interested in buying a light for Be The Light or donating Breakfast with Santa tickets to a family in need, please email us at auxiliarycmh@gmail.com.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is part of United Health Services, a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system with 916 beds and more than 40 locations across New York’s Southern Tier.

- Information from UHS CMH