CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Lynn Kenton with Coach June Jones' "Keiki Warrior Xmas" Celebritree. In addition to the team- autographed football tree shown here, it includes Jones' favorite play drawn on a TV dinner tray, two autographed Beanie Babies, baby pants and shirts.

Trimming the tree

FOR 50 years, those looking for gifts and ornaments to decorate their homes and Christmas trees for the holidays have looked forward to the Queen's Medical Center Auxiliary's Festival of Trees.

Behind the colorful weekend display is a small army of auxiliary volunteers who work 11 1/2 months a year, meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays weekly so the show can go on.

50th Annual Festival of Trees Where: Ward Warehouse second floor Kakaako and Kewalo Rooms Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $1 donation; free to 12 and younger Call: 547-4397

But unlike elves who can work 'round the clock year after year, the volunteers have families, work and other obligations, so on the 50th anniversary of the festival, they're saying goodbye, says spokeswoman Lynn Kenton.

"They'll probably look at doing some other fund raising for the medical center, but after the thousands and thousands of hours the auxiliary has put into this event after 50 years, they've decided to end the tradition," said Kenton.

Those who attend the event that should not be missed will see the volunteers' best efforts in creating original ornaments, wreaths, centerpieces, baskets and gifts for purchase. Members of the community were also enlisted to decorate 50 miniature trees to be sold.

The festival runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in the Ward Warehouse second-floor Kakaako and Kewalo conference rooms. Silent auction bidding will close at 2 p.m. Sunday.

A $1 donation at the door is recommended; children 12 and younger are admitted free. Call 547-4397.

In 50 years the auxiliary managed to raise more than $2 million to purchase medical equipment for the medical center, as well as provide scholarships and fund community programs. Proceeds this year will go toward the purchase of a mammography machine.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Pat Loesche, event co-chair, poses with "A Berry Xmas Tree" by Vicki Cayetano and Floral Network. Volunteers of Queen's Auxiliary have set up for this weekend's Festival of Trees in the second floor conference rooms at Ward Warehouse. Fifty "Celebritrees" will be sold via silent auction.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM This is the last festival for event co-chair Barbara Sharp, who started 30 years ago. The festival has raised almost 2.2 million dollars since it started 50 years ago.

Christmas ‘Moments’

"Emme's Christmas Island Moments" will be the grand finale to the yearlong 10th anniversary celebration of the TV program hosted by Emme Tomimbang.

The concert and videotaping takes place Dec. 8, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Ballroom. Featured artists are Willie K., the Makaha Sons, Hapa, Melveen Leed, Hawaii's original "American Idol" Jordan Segundo, and other special guests in an evening hosted by Kimo Kahoano, Brickwood Galuteria, Harry B. Soria Jr. and Al Waterson. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert taping will begin promptly at 7:45 p.m.

Purchase tickets, at $35, $50 and $100, by calling 545-2820, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Premier sponsor benefits include a VIP reception with heavy pupu by celebrity chefs Alan Wong, Roy Yamaguchi, Sam Choy and Russell Siu; the best seats for the concert; two drinks; and gifts. Sponsor tables of 10 are $1,500 (without reception) and $5,000. For sponsor tables, call 947-6677. The VIP reception runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

A portion of concert proceeds will benefit the Institute for Human Services and the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse & Legal Hotline.

Those unable to make it can tune into "Emme's Christmas Island Moments" when it airs at 9 p.m. Dec. 15 and 4 p.m. Christmas Day on KHON2.

COURTESY OF EMME'S ISLAND MOMENTS Emme Tomimbang ends her yearlong 10th anniversary celebration with her "Emme's Christmas Island Moments" special. The Makaha Sons are just one of her guests.