Festival of Trees – Granite County Medical Foundation

2023 Festival of Trees

Scroll below to view information and our Frequently Asked Questions

10th Annual Event, A Return to the Gala Auction

The Granite County Medical Foundation and Angel Sponsor, The Ranch at Rock Creek, will host our 10th Annual Festival of Trees on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 6 to 10 PM.

The Ranch at Rock Creek’s Buckle Barn will be filled with festive cheer marking a decade of giving at this important community fundraiser. Celebrate a season of giving while touring the festival grove and sipping on wine and local beer (non-alcoholic beverages provided free of charge). The trees are “decorator’s choice” this year, and will be expertly designed in the theme, “Wonders of the Treasure State,” by talented local teams.

Be sure to arrive by 7 PM, for the thrilling live auction to benefit the Granite County Medical Foundation and its long list of local healthcare projects.

Event Details

$10 Suggested Donation | Adults Only | Hors d’oeuvres provided by The Ranch at Rock Creek | Cash Bar | NA Beverages Available

This event is adults-only due to space and safety. No seating is available inside the Buckle Barn. Dress warmly to enjoy the fire pits outside. Please don’t drink and drive. Shuttles will be announced soon.

Can’t attend? Please consider a donation. Venmo: @GraniteCounty-MedicalFoundatio or GCMF, PO Box 401, Philipsburg, MT 59858

We couldn’t do this without our event sponsors The Ranch at Rock Creek, Blackfoot Communications, Huffman Grocery, Citizens Alliance Bank and Stewart Title of Southwest MT LLC

Festival Auction List

Exploring our Treasure State By A2B Ranch & Sponsored by Gem Mountain/Chris Cooney
Sabrina Alexander, Nicol Rasor, Heather Alexander

Step into the heart of Montana’s wilderness with a tree that beckons you on a captivating journey through the seven wonders of Montana. The tree is adorned with camping gear and nature-inspired decorations, evoking the rugged charm of the Treasure State. A cozy tent, rich plaid patterns, and a faux fire invite you to relax and embrace the spirit of Montana’s great outdoors. Beside it, a canoe brims with gifts, like a free massage from Sue Lattin, to other treasures waiting to be discovered.

Hooked on a Vibe By Double Karma Co. & Sponsored by The Broadway Hotel
Kristen & Donny House, Sierra Stout, Tonya Thomas, Ashlee Thomas

Fish on! Enjoy this fishing enthusiast’s dream by lighting up your Christmas spirit with a fishing-themed tree while you plan your fishing trip for two to the Oregon coast. Open the snack basket, crack a cold one, sit on your new custom bench next to your new fire pit and talk about fishing memories and future angling adventures.

Home for the Holidays By & Sponsored by Philipsburg Rotary Club
Mary Hager, Kim Hendl, Simone Roy

In the heart of Montana, amidst the vast landscapes and snow-capped mountains, lies the true treasure of the Treasure State: its unwavering sense of family and community. Especially during the enchanting Christmas season, these bonds shine brightest, illuminating the snow-kissed streets with warmth and togetherness. In this close-knit haven, the wonders of Montana reveal themselves not in grand monuments but in the smiles shared, the laughter echoed, and the love woven into every tradition.

Treasure State Sweater Weather By Slim Pickins & Sponsored by Skyview Property Owners
Jodi Oberweiser, Nicole Rasor, Bridgette Thomas & Caleb Bowey

Enjoying the Treasure State; snow capped mountain forests in cozy winter sweaters. Included: a two-night stay at an AirBnB in Hall that comes with a charcuterie tray and wine pairing for 4 from Create & Plate by Tina Wetsch.

Swing on Home for Christmas By Healthy Granite County Network & Sponsored by Granite County Medical Center
Kayla & Carl Sanders, Dan & Tanya Corrigan

Sit back and relax on this beautiful antique brass bed repurposed into a comfy porch swing. Decorate your front door with a handcrafted “little red truck” wreath. And complete any farmhouse Christmas celebration with these adorable “truckin’ across the Treasure State” decorations.

Christmas Elk By Half Toasted & Sponsored by Flint Creek Outdoors/Jackalope Java
Emily Petrovski, Lauren McDonald, Emily Gribble, David Roe

Evoke the wonder of our great outdoors with this eye-catching Christmas Elk. This life-sized 7-point combines the magic of a traditional evergreen Christmas with our state’s majestic wild game. Welcome this beauty, adorned with traditional Christmas greens and reds, metallics and rustic touches of burlap in hunter classic buffalo plaid, into your home for the holidays. Admire your Christmas shoulder mount while processing your own wild game with a butcher basket of processing necessities, including a case of Philipsburg Brewing Company beer, then curl up with an outdoor-inspired Christmas quilt and tuck into a great read.

Dreaming of Montana By Cabin Creek Sisters & Sponsored by Snookies/Summit Beverage
Heidi MacDonald, Mary Frank, Bailey Scott, Addy Scott, Megan Frank

Hang this creation above a fireplace, mantle or wall and breathe in the magic of the last best place. Your holiday memories will be imbued with the scent of wild sage growing in Montana’s grasslands, wildflowers buzzing with honeybees and butterflies, and bright red berries beckoning migratory songbirds to nest in the summer.

Montana Treasure Tree By Rock Creek Ladies & Sponsored by Granite Pharmacy
Barbara Clark & Virginia Gallagher

Montana’s treasures are many; its purple mountains majesty and amber waves of grain, its agriculture and cowboys, minerals and miners, forests and loggers, its rivers, streams and lakes, open spaces and outdoor recreation, wildlife and its people. Montana the Treasure State, home of the free thanks to the brave!

Marvels of Montana By Western Creators & Sponsored by Ed & Michele Churchill of Team Churchill Montana Realty
Connie Fitzpatrick, Pat Forsman, Janie Dierenfeldt, Peggy Lynn, Carolyn Radonich

The Marvels tree represents a few (there are so many) amazing things about Montana that we are thankful for and appreciate. Wildlife, with numerous fishing and hunting opportunities; Mineral resources – gold, silver, copper, coal, sapphires, garnets; Huckleberries, the state fruit; Ethnic diversity of Montana’s population.

Treasures of the Treasure State By The McDecorators & Sponsored by Monida Healthcare Network
Ruth McDonald, Alexandra McDonald

Montana is an amazing place to call home and make a living.. in honor of Montana’s agricultural heritage, our tree is filled with livestock of years gone by!

Christmas Gnomes of Montana By Team Austen & Team Zack & Sponsored by Shield’s Canyon Bar
Larry & Shannon Martell, Wayne & Nancy Yates

This festive and fun tree comes with a hand-carved Montana table/tree stand; Mr. & Mrs. Santa Gnomes carved and created by Medicine River Woodworks, custom laser cut ornaments from Ckye Thomas, along with a basket of goodies and other Montana ornaments and fun items to share with your family and friends. We donate our time and creativity in honor and remembrance of our beautiful sons Austen and Zack.

“Starry Wonders” of the Treasure State By & Sponsored by Blackfoot Communications
Marilee Klaudt, Karen Hartman

Montana is known for big blue skies and endless views, but the adventure doesn’t end when the sun goes down. As the sun sets over the majestic mountains, Montana’s pristine, dark skies offer the perfect backdrop to witness the marvels of our universe. Blackfoot’s flocked tree represents softly glimmering snow, an array of white and silver stars, sparkly garland that gracefully winds around tree resembling trails of stardust, and twinkling lights reminiscent of Montana’s jaw-dropping celestial beauty; all set on an upcycled cable spool reel table created by Blackfoot’s own, Cyrus Bowman.

Treasured Aspen Spreading Cheer By Out on a Limb & Sponsored by Philipsburg Brewing Company
Vicki Burgmeier, Razel Sackman, Bert Hunter, Janet Hauptman

An Aspen, so much more than a tree, is often described as an important community dependent species within their natural range. Like Montana, so much more than a state…Montana, rich with togetherness in its communities, people taking care of each other, a place that nurtures and has inspiring power within its beautiful prairies, mountains, clear blue skies, clean water, gorgeous parks and pockets of beauty everywhere. The Christmas tree is like a physical storybook of our lives and with every ornament we add new pages to it. May this Treasured Aspen and all its Montana Made gifts beneath it, spread cheer.

Montana’s Hidden Gems By & Sponsored by The Ranch at Rock Creek
Jennie Blodgett, Amy Driscoll, Sela Macdonald, Bryn Harris
Step into a Wild West wonderland with this Christmas tree adorned in homage to Montana’s true treasure—sapphires. With sparkling blue ornaments and gem tones, this tree celebrates Montana’s rich mining history. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and bid on this tree for the chance to win a two-night stay for two at The Ranch at Rock Creek. As an added sparkle, this tree also includes a pair of sapphire earrings and a cozy Pendleton blanket.

Tour the Festival Grove before the Gala Auction

Please note the Gala Auction is standing room only.

2023 Festival of Trees FAQ

What is the theme this year?

It’s “Wonders of the Treasure State.” How perfectly fitting to celebrate ten years of the Festival by celebrating Montana’s natural wonders.

Do I need to buy tickets?

No, you do not need tickets for this community event. However, when you arrive and during the event you will be asked to make a tax-deductible donation. Donations made by check to the Granite County Medical Foundation can be tax-deductible. Remember to include your address on the check so that we may send you a donation receipt.

Can I reserve a seat at the event?

No, this is not a sit-down event. In fact, except for a few lounging areas around the Buckle Barn’s fire pits, this is a standing-room only event. We encourage attendees to move through the event – viewing the trees, eating hors d’oeuvres, grabbing a drink and chatting with neighbors, so clearing the floor of tables and seats allows more people to enjoy the event to its fullest.

Will there be drinks and food at the event?

Yes, the food will be provided by The Ranch at Rock Creek and their Executive Chef Josh Drage’s culinary team. It will consist of delectable hors d’oeuvres. Drinks will be available for purchase for $5. Attendees can sip on beer from The Philipsburg Brewing Company and wine from Snookie’s Wine Cellar. We thank these two organizations for being valued five-time sponsors of our event. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided free of charge. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the free shuttle or ensure they have a designated driver. Please help us make this a safe and fun event.

Can children attend the event?

The Gala Auction is not designed to accommodate children. Although we were able to welcome them in 2021 and 2022 for a daytime event, there is not a dedicated space or room to run around for children. The beverages and gourmet hors d’oeuvres are curated for adults. We’ve designed the event to be a fun night to dress up a little, grab a date and support a local charity. In years past, it has been a full capacity type event, so it is not safe having young children in a crowded room.

Is there a shuttle available?

Yes, thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to provide a free shuttle from Missoula, Drummond and Philipsburg and back. Please read more about it here.

Will there be a silent auction or other items to purchase?

The sole, featured, and much desired auction items are the 15 beautiful Christmas trees that our decorator teams have built from scratch! They will be sold in a live auction, led by a professional auctioneer. We will have a slideshow up on the big screen so all in attendance will be able to follow the auction as we go through the grove.

What type of trees are being auctioned?

15 decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and alternative decor. This year is “decorator’s choice” and the auction list proves it will be one of our most creative festivals yet. The trees will be provided by the decorator teams and will come in a wide variety of materials, heights and widths.

Will the trees be delivered?

Yes! We encourage you to take your tree with you if you have purchased it at the auction, so that you can let it light up your business or home all month. We will have an option to deliver them between Granite County, Missoula, Butte and Anaconda areas but our delivery days may not have the required flexibility for your home or business. Please inquire when you pay for your tree about delivery. We appreciate your patience and flexibility since we won’t know till then where they are going.

How do I bid?

You will sign up for a bid number when you arrive. Please ask for one as you enter and pay your suggested $10 donation.

How do I buy?

You will check out with our Granite County Medical Foundation Treasurer, Jackie Walter before you leave. Checks, Venmo and cash will be accepted.

Can I come early to get a peek at the trees or tour the area?

We kindly ask that you don’t come before the 6 PM start time. We are actively involved in setting up the event for the night and early guests make it hard to complete last minute tasks and make our event to run without a hitch!

The Ranch at Rock Creek has been extremely generous in accommodating us, but they are also hosting guests on the property during this time. We ask that you stay within the immediate area of the Buckle Barn, so that they can continue to go about their daily business of providing a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star stay for their guests. Please also be careful when driving into The Ranch at Rock Creek for the event. Guests on property generally walk or ride bikes, and we want it to be a safe experience for all.

How do I get to the 2023 Festival of Trees at The Ranch at Rock Creek?

Directions:

If traveling from Montana Highway 38 (Skalkaho Pass), turn RIGHT onto Rock Creek Road and continue for about 2 miles. You will turn RIGHT onto the property and cross over Rock Creek (This is NOT the main Ranch arch).

If traveling from Montana Highway 348, turn LEFT onto Rock Creek Road and continue for approximately 6 miles, and then turn LEFT onto the property, where you will cross over Rock Creek.

Continue over the Rock Creek bridge and to the RIGHT. At the end of the road, turn LEFT. The Buckle Barn parking area will be on the LEFT.

Parking attendants and signs will direct guests.

Thanks to our incredible sponsors!

Angel Sponsor
The Ranch at Rock Creek

Event Sponsors
Blackfoot Communications
Citizens Alliance Bank
Huffman Grocery
Stewart Title of Southwest MT LLC

Tree/Additional Sponsors
Blackfoot Communications
Broadway Hotel Philipsburg
The Canyon Bar
Flint Creek Outdoors/Jackalope Java
Gem Mountain/Chris Cooney
Granite County Medical Center
Granite Pharmacy
Monida Healthcare Network
NorthWestern Energy
Philipsburg Brewing Company
Philipsburg Rotary Club
Skyview Property Owners
Snookies/ Summit Beverage Group
Team Churchill Montana Realty
The Ranch at Rock Creek

How can I donate?

3 Ways You Can Donate:

1. Send a check to GCMF, PO Box 401, Philipsburg, MT 59858.
2. Donate via Venmo here or using the QR code below. (Turn on your camera and focus it on the square below and it will take you to Venmo)

Granite County Medical Foundation Venmo QR Code

Where does the money go?

The proceeds of this auction go to support Granite County Medical Foundation projects – all focused on enhancing healthcare and health causes in our community. We have spent $96,000 in 2020 past year, basically the equivalent of 3 of our previous Festivals to support the community during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we need to refill our coffers to keep our yearly programs and new Covid-19 programs going. Some of our recent programs were summer and Covid-19 quarantine kids’ meals, helping fund local ambulance services, funds to support the new CT scanner at GCMC (which is being regularly used), and support for suicide prevention – an ever-growing concern as we head into a long, isolated winter.

If you have a question I haven’t answered, please ask at info [at] granitecountymedicalfoundation [dot] org!

Celebrate the Season of Giving with Us!