The Festival of Trees, a major fund-raising event benefiting the Harrison Hospital Foundation, recently announced the four major sponsors for what will be its 15th annual event.

Last year’s event raised net proceeds of over $200,000, while a total of $1,252,124 has been raised over the years by the event for local healthcare services. Funds raised this year will benefit Harrison’s Emergency Services Improvement Project.

AT&T Wireless Services, which has an office in Silverdale, will sponsor the event for the seventh year in a row.

Encore Communities, a group of retirement and healthcare living communities, has also agreed to continue its sponsorship. The event will also mark seven years of major sponsorship for that firm which operates Clearbrook Inn, Country Meadows, Northwoods Lodge and Claremont East. It has also been involved with the festival for many years by sponsoring and decorating trees, as well as purchasing trees at the Gala Auction.

Kitsap Bank has agreed to be a major financial sponsor for the Festival for the fifth year. The bank, which operates 25 branches in five counties, has sponsored the Harrison Foundation Golf Classic for several years in addition to its involvement with the Festival of Trees.

The Sun Newspaper is the fourth sponsor, contributing the printing and distribution of the Festival tabloid, which is circulated throughout Kitsap County. The special tabloid gives a general overview of the event, with pictures and articles describing the three-day Festival.

The theme for the event this year is “Let It Snow.” There will be numerous four and six foot snowmen welcoming guests to the Kitsap Pavilion as well as the President’s Hall this year.

Because of the significant growth of the festival, plans are to move Santa Claus and all the kid’s activities into the President’s Hall along with a “For Kids Only” gift shop, Sweet Carts, and more holiday craft vendors.

For information on the Festival of Trees, contact Susan Phillips, special events coordinator at the Harrison Hospital Foundation, (360) 792-6762.