With construction underway at Providence Seaside Hospital for a new emergency room, the hospital’s chief executive officer Don Lemmon offered an appeal for the hospital’s Innovation Fund, designed to increase community involvement, expand facilities and advance medical services.

The appeal came in a night of celebration for the hospital, the Safeway/Providence Festival of Trees Gala, a champagne reception, dinner, silent auction, live auction, raffle drawing and dessert buffet. And of course, Christmas trees, with the theme “Comfort and Joy.”

This year’s offerings included 17 custom-designed trees, bringing, trips, fine wines, and even a living room full of furniture from Roby’s Furniture and Appliance, introduced by master of ceremonies Ken Boddie of KOIN 6 News This Morning.

Special mention was given to Providence Foundation board chairman John Toyooka and board treasurer Gregg Freedman, each leaving the Providence Foundation board after nine years of service.