CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — The 39th annual Jubilee of Trees is returning to an in-person celebration with a special focus on local children struggling with mental health. This year’s event will support critically needed pediatric and adolescent behavioral health services at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital.
The Jubilee of Trees showcases beautifully adorned Christmas trees and wreaths, created by local designers, artists, individuals, businesses and community groups, that are available for auction to benefit the Intermountain Foundation. With the help of generous sponsors, donors and ticketholders throughout the Southern Utah region, the event raised over $700,000 last year.
“This is an event that wouldn’t exist without the support of the community,” said Loriana De Crescenzo, executive director of the Intermountain Foundation at St. George Regional Hospital. “We’re thankful for our community’s giving spirit and invite residents to continue giving the gift of health and happiness to children and families, especially now when the needs are so great.”
After going virtual in 2020 and 2021, this year’s Jubilee of Trees will once again be held at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George. Tour the exquisitely decorated wreaths, mini trees, Enchanted Forest Trees and Designer Trees. Vote for your favorites, and maybe take one home! The event also features a silent auction, a bakery and sweet shoppe, a kid’s shoppe, a handcrafters’ guild and visits with Santa.
Trees will be on display Sunday and Monday, Nov. 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $8 per adult and $5 per child (age 12 and under) and are available to purchase online. Children age 2 and under enter for free.
The Intermountain West, like much of the nation, is experiencing a pediatric mental health crisis. Utah teens exceed the national average in rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently confirmed that the state’s youth suicide rate has more than doubled, growing 4 times faster than the national average.
Suicide is now the leading cause of death among Utahns ages 10-17. One in 6 children in this age range has at least one treatable mental health disorder, yet it’s estimated that 40% of young people with depression aren’t getting the care they need.
Enhancing behavioral health services is part of Intermountain Healthcare’s Primary Promise to create a model health system for children, and St. George Regional Hospital has recently added several mental and behavioral health resources for young patients. Care is available in clinic settings and via telehealth.
The hospital is also working to create a partial hospitalization program that will include more intensive therapies for kids who need them, without an inpatient hospital stay. Proceeds from this year’s Jubilee of Trees will support the program, which is expected to open next year.
The program provides behavioral health care to children and adolescents for a half-day or full day, depending on need. At the end of each day, participants go home to practice what they’ve learned, then identify which strategies work well and which don’t. Afterward, they will return to the program to talk about their experiences.
“We want to take care of our kids through their growing years so they can realize the fullness of their lives and become the best people they can be,” De Crescenzo said. “It’s a top priority for us as a hospital and as part of this community. We want families to know we’re here for them.”
Since 1983, the Jubilee of Trees has brought together residents of Utah, Arizona and Nevada in a holiday celebration to raise funds to advance medical services at St. George Regional Hospital. Local communities’ generosity has helped expand numerous care programs over the decades, including pediatrics.
Funds raised during this year’s Jubilee of Trees will help young people in Southern Utah suffering from depression and other mental health conditions get the support they need to thrive and lead happier, healthier lives. Get your tickets today and become part of the legacy.
Event details
- What: Intermountain Foundation Jubilee of Trees.
- When: Sunday-Monday, Nov. 20-21, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George.
- Tickets: $8 per adult, $5 per child (age 12 and under).
- Resources: Eventbrite | Website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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