The Festival of Trees has been a beloved Utah tradition for 55 years. Each December, the halls of the convention center are transformed with wreaths, twinkling displays and hundreds of Christmas trees, each one decorated and auctioned to put the true meaning of Christmas into action.
“It’s so amazing to see everybody come together to support this event, it's magical,” said Denise Allen, Co-Chair Festival of Trees Volunteer Board.
“I’ve done a couple community events but the festival of trees is such a fun place to be and it's so cool to experience,” said Livie Smart, Festival of Trees Patient Champion.
This celebration is more than festive décor. Every donation and every bid helps fund lifesaving care at Primary Children’s Hospital, care that saved the life of 16-year-old Livie.
“When I was 14 I was diagnosed with Leukemia…”
After ten months of treatment at Primary Children’s that proved ineffective, she needed a bone marrow transplant.
“The National Bone Marrow Donor Program we found one, and she was able to donate and to save my life. And now I'm two years in remission,” said Smart.
Amid the gingerbread houses and glittering trees, Livie hosted her own booth inviting visitors to take a simple cheek swab and join the national bone marrow registry. A small moment that could become someone else’s lifesaving match, just like hers.
“It all starts with a booth, this has started the cycle of saving someone’s life. and the festival of trees is all about bringing hope to people,” said Sarah Smart, Livie’s mother.
“The main reason I'm here is to give back to the community because they helped me through the darkest time of my life.”
Each December, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital welcomes the community to ring in the holiday season and to support patients like Livie.