KELSEYVILLE>>> The Hospice Services of Lake County held their 6th annual Festival of Trees on Saturday evening at Sophies Day Spa in Kelseyville. This event drives their fundraising every year, showcasing over 20 elegantly designed holiday trees donated by gracious community members. This year’s event well exceeded their goal of $105,000 raising a total of $142,394.
This year’s trees were designed by a variety of local businesses, organizations, and the Kelseyville Unified School District. Though there were obvious favorites to participants in attendance, like the “Polar Paradise” tree designed by Svitlana Nizovtseva on behalf of Santana’s Cottage Cafe and Catering.
Nizovtseva shared her inspiration for the design noting a combination of winters back home in Ukraine and the “beautiful green California landscapes.”. After fleeing the town she grew up in, Melitopol Ukraine in 2022 as a refugee when the war with Russia began, she and her daughter both flew here, where they were met by Nizovtseva’s boyfriend Andrew Santana who she had met prior to the war’s beginning.
“I am a creative person, I wanted to try something new,” said Santana, adding that she wanted to create something for “all ages to enjoy” where “they felt a warmth in their hearts.” The tree sold for $7,000 dollars. Nizovtseva’s excitement was clearly visible as she exclaimed “It was one, then two and three to seven thousand! I just can’t believe it.” Mariann Santana, owner of Santana’s Cottage, shared her opinion of Nizovtseva. “She has only been here two years and wants to be a part of the community. An amazing person, I just want to make her feel like family.”
One of the more revered trees was the Bob Onorato tree. This was a memorial tree donated and designed by Dana Kearney and Patty Brunetti which will be displayed at Congressman Mike Thompson’s office for all of his former coworkers to enjoy. Editor of the Lake County News Elizabeth Larson said, “Meeting the needs our community’s members was his priority no matter their political or personal beliefs, what he focused on was their immense human value.” She added, “Brad loved everyone, especially children and at Christmas he really shined” urging those looking to honor his name to live a loving life as he did.
Alongside the tree auction, Hospice also hosts a silent auction and this year added a few experiences for auction, donated and offered by the 100 Women Strong and 100 Bucks Strong organization. These adventures included a farmhouse dinner for 10, a winemaking and master blending class for a party of 10, and also a Cobb mountain adventure. Each excursion raised over $4,000 for Hospice.
Refreshments and appetizers were offered by the Saw Shop Public House, with dinner and more provided by Lake Event Design. Local wineries and Kelseyville Brewery were responsibly serving alcohol, and the meal was served by Jack’s Lavender Farm, a local nonprofit that extends a high school students education though their working farm.
Every day the Hospice Services of Lake County provides compassionate end of life care as well as grief counseling, family grief camps, and beyond. The funds raised at this event help Hospice continue this community service as they are an independently funded organization. Executive Director Scott McFarland opened the auction by saying, “It’s such a special evening, and you all make what we are able to do possible.” He also expressed his gratitude for all of the Hospice staff and volunteers that work tirelessly to put this event on every year.
