The Fantasy of Trees makes giving beautiful

                   By Michael Kull

The 28th annual Fantasy of Trees took place at the Knoxville Convention Center from November 27 through December 1, with the proceeds benefitting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The event has grown steadily since this Knoxville tradition started in 1985, and has raised more than $6.3 million to provide much-needed medical equipment for children served by East Tennessee Children’s Hospital throughout its 28 year history.

This year’s event included live performances from members of the Knoxville community; holiday gift shops; youth activities like face painting, cookie

decorating, ornament making, visiting with Santa; and even carousel rides on the Humana 30-horse indoor carousel, not to mention the hundreds of beautifully decorated Christmas trees that were all donated by local businesses, schools, and families and placed on sale to help support the hospital.

Major sponsors included: East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Volunteers, Emerson Process Management, Regal Entertainment Group, Regions Bank,Shoney’s, The William B. Stokely Jr. Foundation, Cumulus Media (WIVK – NewsTalk 98.7 – WMNL), The Knoxville News Sentinel and WBIR TV.

According to the event website (www.FantasyOfTrees.org) this year’s proceeds will help purchase a medicine safety system that will make a significant difference in young lives. It uses a special pump that monitors the medicine a patient gets through an I.V. This system ensures each patient receives the correct medicine and dosage.

Michael Kull, in addition to co-publishing Knoxville Parent, is a classically trained singer. He has performed with orchestras and choruses around the country and in Europe and maintains a private vocal studio in Knoxville.