Christmas trees, decorations add joy at Children’s of Alabama
Fanciful decorations and beautifully bedecked Christmas trees await visitors and patients at Children's of Alabama in Birmingham. (Donna Cope / Alabama NewsCenter)
A climbing Santa greets Children’s visitors. (Donna Cope / Alabama NewsCenter)
At this time of year, it’s not unusual to hear oohs and aahs of delight from youngsters at Children’s of Alabama.
It’s Christmas come early, with the hospital’s lobby and second floor decked out with nearly 50 trees, filled with glittering decorations.
The beautiful trees and displays are part of the hospital’s large annual fundraiser, the Children’s Ball, formerly called Illuminations, said Children’s Communications Development Manager Mindy Wald. The festivities, held at The Club in Birmingham on Nov. 11, included silent and live auctions.
“It’s a great way for our sponsors throughout the community to come together and celebrate on one night, and we really appreciate them,” Wald said. “We had 42 tree designers, who all did a great job. Some designers have decorated the trees for more than 25 years.”
Provided through Children’s Ball sponsors, trees will remain onsite for patients’ and families’ enjoyment through Nov. 29, until their delivery to charitable sponsors. Protective Life Corp. is the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Children’s Ball.
Tree designers include the Alabama Power Service Organization – Environmental and Corporate, Asbury United Methodist Church’s Loving Hands Knitting Ministry, Bromberg’s Jewelers, Camp Smile-A-Mile, Children’s of Alabama Cardiac Nurses, Longtime Christmas Friends: Cindy DeArman, Prissy Daly, Melinda Springfield and Co., Greystone Ladies Club, Hand in Paw, Homewood and Mountain Brook Kiwanis International, Springville Ladies Club, UAB Infectious Disease Laboratory and numerous other groups.
