Festival of Trees to aid local cancer patients

FINDLAY — What could be better than decorating for the holidays while also helping a local nonprofit that supports individuals facing cancer? For the third year, Ashley and Mark Boehler, owners of Revive Salon & Day Spa and Quality PT, are hosting the Festival of Trees. This year's event is slated from 6:30-10 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Hancock Hotel, 631 S. Main St. Proceeds again will go to Cancer Patient Services. The agency provides support free of charge to individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and live or work in Hancock County. "My husband and I attended the Festival of Trees before (when it was presented by the Hancock County Unit of the American Cancer Society). And we're huge about supporting the community," Boehler said. She said she offers to help almost everyone, including schools and charities, that seeks a donation. "But Festival of Trees is awesome because not only is it a beautiful experience, but you're making a big impact and its community coming together," she said. As a business owner, she said, this also allows her to give back. Boehler said most everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. She has an aunt and many of her clients who are battling the disease now. "It's a big need," she said. The gala was previously held in 2016 which marked its 25th anniversary. That year, $100,000 was raised to benefit the American Cancer Society. The couple revamped the event. And since the ACS no longer has a local office, they opted to give the money to United Way of Hancock County that first year. The event raised $32,000 that United Way could use for local charitable institutions. Last year, CPS was the recipient and $44,000 was raised, she said. The event continues to grow, according to Boehler. This year eight designer decorated trees ranging in height up to 8 feet tall will be auctioned off along with several "experiences" like trips to Saint Martin and Mexico. "We actually are working with a company, it's called Auction in a Box. They send different vacation experiences, designer jewelry, designer purses, memorabilia," Boehler said. The company will be provided 15 different items, she said. "So whatever past what it is, all that goes to the charity," she noted. "It's a great way of having some really unique items in the silent auction that we don't normally have." Boehler is also working with the Hancock Hotel to create a stay there with dinner at Mancy's Steakhouse, a day at Revive Salon for two and breakfast in the morning. Silent auction items will also be available. "And it's not always high dollar items, too," said Boehler. "I try to make sure that it goes from low to high. That way there's something for everyone." She expects that some of the items will go for a large amount. "But we're also supporting a huge wonderful cause, and I don't think a lot of people understand all the things that Cancer Patient Services does," she said. In August, CPS Chief Executive Officer Carol Metzger said the agency has seen a huge increase in the number of clients and financial need so far this year. The cost of health insurance and medical costs including deductibles and co-pays have also been increasing. CPS supports local cancer patients with financial assistance for cancer-related bills, medical supplies and equipment, patient navigation services, professional counseling services, and healing arts programs. All services are provided at no cost to clients. The silent auction is scheduled from 6:30–8 p.m., followed by the live auction of designer Christmas trees and experiences starting about 8 p.m. Trent Farthing will be the auctioneer. Gina Lynne and Boehler are decorating the trees. Some of the themes will include classic Christmas, butterflies and floral woodland. As part of this year's event, Boehler is introducing a "Giving Tree Project" with a twist. "Last year I was going to small businesses and the business wasn't that great so I didn't feel right asking them for a donation," she said. "This year I decided there are a lot of businesses in Findlay that are struggling so this is where community comes together." Community residents will shop local and support local, but they're actually giving back, too, said Boehler. "So it's having two benefits in one purchase. Whether it's a gift card, a product or a whole basket from their favorite business, they can donate that to the silent auction for Cancer Patient Services," she said. The deadline to purchase an item is Oct. 31. Boehler said she can pick these items up or they can be dropped off at the salon, 1101 W. Main Cross St. Tickets are now available to purchase for the gala. General admission for one is $100 and includes admission, dinner and drinks. A table of eight, including dinner and drinks, is $800. Ticket information can be found on the Findlay Festival of Trees Facebook page. There is also a link at cancerpatientservices.org Presenting sponsors of the event again this year are Ohio Logistics and the Brown Co.