During the 2018 Festival of Wreaths, $16,500 was raised for the Jefferson Healthcare Foundation. “This funding builds upon a generous grant from the First Federal Community Foundation awarded to Jefferson Healthcare Foundation to procure new equipment for Jefferson Healthcare’s Family Birth Center,” said Kris Becker, Jefferson Healthcare Foundation executive director. “This is all part of our vision for a healthy, resilient future for everyone, right here at home.” The third annual Festival of Wreaths, featuring 20 wreaths donated by area artists and businesses, was held Nov. 24 at the Bay Club in Port Ludlow. “Eighty wonderful guests from the Olympic Peninsula and beyond attended our festive champagne brunch and purchased nearly 50 beautiful, locally made artists’ wreaths in our silent auction,” Foundation board member Shary Irwin said. Brunch was prepared and served by Jefferson Healthcare Chef Arran Stark. Wreaths were donated by 20 individual artisans and local businesses, including Holly’s Fine Flowers, Petals Flower Shop and Port Townsend QFC. The Nordland Garden Club also donated a natural wreath, as has been its tradition for many years. “This year’s donated wreath was just like a walk in the forest, with wise owls watching over us as we travel through a beautiful forest path,” club member Norma Wieman said. Family Birth Center The Family Birth Center offers four spacious birthing suites at the Jefferson Healthcare campus. During her keynote speech, Foundation board member Marie Dressler described the history and the importance of the center. “A well-equipped birth center at Jefferson Healthcare is vital to the growth and well-being of our community,” said Dressler, who worked for 26 years as a registered nurse, caring for mothers and babies in the Family Birth Center following training in England, Dressler also is an elected member of the Hospital Commission. Jefferson Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the excellence of the medical services available on the North Olympic Peninsula through charitable contributions and community involvement. Donations support the programs and projects of Jefferson Healthcare, providing care for those in need, bringing new treatments and equipment to the hospital and clinics, and increasing equitable access to health and wellness throughout Jefferson County.