PORT LUDLOW — The 3rd Annual Festival of Wreaths raised $16,500 for the Jefferson Healthcare Foundation.

The funds from sales of the locally designed wreaths and sponsorships by Jamestown S’Klallam’s 7 Cedars Casino and Bremerton’s Heartland Toyota of the Haselwood Auto Group are expected to go to the Jefferson Healthcare hospital’s Family Birth Center in Port Townsend.

“Eighty wonderful guests from the Olympic Peninsula and beyond attended our festive champagne brunch and purchased nearly 50 beautiful, locally-made artists’ wreaths in our silent auction,” said Foundation board member Shary Irwin after the Nov. 24 auction.

Brunch was created by Jefferson Healthcare’s Chef Arran Stark.

Wreaths were donated by 20 artisans and local businesses including Holly’s Fine Flowers, Petals Flower Shop and Port Townsend QFC. The Nordland Garden Club also donated a natural wreath, as has been its tradition for many years.

“This year’s donated wreath was just like a walk in the forest, with wise owls watching over us as we travel through a beautiful forest path,” said club member Norma Wieman.

According to Executive Director Kris Becker: “This funding builds upon a generous grant from the First Federal Community Foundation awarded to Jefferson Healthcare Foundation to procure new equipment for Jefferson Healthcare’s Family Birth Center.”

In a keynote speech, Foundation board member Marie Dressler described the history of the Family Birth Center.

“A well-equipped birth center at Jefferson Healthcare is vital to the growth and well-being of our community,” said Dressler, who, following her training in England, worked for 26 years as a registered nurse caring for mothers and babies in the Family Birth Center.

“This is all part of our vision for a healthy, resilient future for everyone, right here at home.”

Dressler is also an elected member of the Jefferson Healthcare commission.

Jefferson Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the excellence of our region’s medical services through charitable contributions and community involvement. Donations to the Foundation support the programs and projects of Jefferson Healthcare.

For more information, contact Becker at 360-385-2200, ext. 2345.