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There's no better way to support your community than supporting your neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season. We'll feature local charities on Spew throughout this holiday season with links to donate your money, supplies and time.

Give the karmic wheel a spin for today's charity focus:

Festival of Trees

Fundraiser for Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center
Saturday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 5
Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center
1500 Broadway, Tacoma
253.403.1368

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and there's nothing quite like a lovely tree - or 70 - to help that Christmas spirit along. Many people kicked off their holiday season by participating in the four-day Festival of Trees event in Tacoma, which began Thursday.

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center has been transformed into a holiday wonderland complete with decorated trees, auctions, music and a visit from the man-in-red - Santa! This event is a fundraiser for the Mary Bridge Hospital & Health Center.

Last year more than 11,000 people attended the Festival of Trees, raising $1.5 million for Mary Bridge Children's Foundation.

"The Festival of Trees is the foundation's largest event based fundraiser raising approximately two million dollars annually," says John Xitco. Xitco, his brother, Luke, and their business partner Frank Pupo Jr. have been co-presenting sponsors of the Festival of Trees through their company Associated Petroleum Products, Inc. commonly known as APP, Inc. for many years. John has sat on the Mary Bridge Children's Foundation board for six years, and is currently the board chair.

"My involvement with Mary Bridge started with the premature birth of my nephew, Chase, who is now 6 years old," explains Xitco.  "I realized the importance and appreciated having premier health care like Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Multicare right here in our own hometown." 

Being a father of two and wanting to in some way make a difference in our community, Xitco felt compelled to do what he could to assist with their efforts to provide health care to children in the South Puget Sound.

"The Festival of Trees has evolved in the last couple years adding ‘Ladies Night Out' and this year Vicci Martinez will be playing at Jingle Bell Jam Saturday. It's an amazing display of both the holidays and giving."

The public is invited to tour the trees from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow. Admission is $6, $2 from students 13-18 and children 12 and younger are free.

LINK: Donate to Mary Bridge Children's Foundation

LINK: Volunteer at Mary Bridge

Previous Mistledole charities

• Tacoma Community House
• Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children
• Olive Crest
• Emergency Food Network
• Catherine Place