Dust off your cowboy boots and your disco ball — the Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s 2025 Festival of Trees was officially launched Thursday at JGL.
This year’s theme, Disco in Denim, combines the glam of disco with country charm. The Disco in Denim: Festival of Trees gala will take place Oct. 25.
“When you support Festival of Trees, you’re not just grabbing a ticket or bidding on a sparkly centrepiece or tree,” said Moose Jaw Health Foundation chair Ryan Hrechka. “You’re giving someone the gift of hope right here at home. You’re helping someone’s family look forward to a brighter tomorrow.”
Funds raised from this year’s event will go toward much-needed upgrades for the MRI system at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
More than 7,600 MRI scans were performed at the hospital over the past year. The upgrades will allow for faster scans, shorter wait times and improved patient care.
“We’re not replacing the entire MRI machine. We’re building on what we have — modernizing the system and making it more efficient,” said radiologist and co-emcee Dr. Nicolette Sinclair.
“This upgrade will allow us to increase MRI capacity by over 25 per cent, bringing that number to 10,000 scans per year.”
The gala will feature an evening of food, music and community spirit. The menu will include a gourmet Texas-style barbecue buffet featuring locally sourced JGL beef.
“Inspired by southern smokehouses, our menu is packed with comfort, community and a hint of disco flair,” said volunteer chair Kim Waldo. “It’s dinner done the Moose Jaw way — with heart, hospitality and a whole lot of flavour. It’s barbecue with a boogie and a two-step beat.”
The evening will also include live and silent auctions, with live entertainment provided by award-winning country artist Drew Gregory.
Over the past 33 years, the Festival of Trees has raised nearly $5.5 million in support of local health care.
“No other fundraiser around here has done more for health care in Moose Jaw. Now that’s worth a holler and a hustle,” Hrechka said. “Festival is all heart, all soul — from the rodeo ring to the dance floor. This town comes together for one cool reason: to save lives.”
Tickets remain $125 per person and go on sale in mid-August through SaskTix. Tables can be reserved early by contacting the Moose Jaw Health Foundation at 306-694-0255.