Their name, CBC, comes from the causes they help: cancer, Bay Cliff and community.

Each year, CBC selects a different community charity to be its third beneficiary. In 2025, it was the Community Action Agency, so that organization — which aims to help reduce the causes and symptoms of poverty in Menominee, Delta and Schoolcraft counties — will receive Festival of Trees funds along with Bay Cliff, a therapeutic summer camp for children and adults with disabilities; and the American Cancer Society, which strives to “improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support.”

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique hosted its seventh-annual Festival of Trees between Dec. 5 and 13. It featured uniquely decorated and different-themed Christmas trees designed by various organizations and businesses, including Blade’s Bait and Tackle, Alger Delta Cooperative, Friends of Seney National Wildlife Refuge, multiple hospital departments and more.

The festival hosted a number of events on different days, including paint parties, yoga, a family day, raffles, an auction and giveaways.

Themed decorations set apart the different participants in the Festival of Trees at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique. (Courtesy of Dawn Osterhout Photography)

“Year after year, the local business creativity and generosity have brought this holiday tradition to life, turning it into a cherished community event,” the hospital states in a news release. “The success of this year’s Festival was made possible by a deeply committed Festival of Trees planning team, composed of patients, donors, business owners and volunteers who care deeply about both the hospital and the broader community. Their time, creativity, and dedication ensured the event remained rooted in purpose and brought people together in celebration.”

In 2025, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital celebrated 75 years of operation, making the festivities that much more special.

Though the Festival of Trees has taken place for seven years, this was the first time proceeds were donated to another organization — in the past, funds were typically used to purchase hospital equipment, Marketing Director Sara Giles said.

“This year’s Festival of Trees reflects who we are at our core,” said Rob Mach, CEO of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. “For 75 years, this hospital has existed because of community support. Reinvesting in this celebration for CBC was a natural extension of our mission: neighbors caring for neighbors and working together to strengthen the place we call home.”

The CBC received a total of $42,054.72 raised at the festival.

A row of Christmas trees is shown for Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital's Festival of Trees charitable event. (Courtesy of Dawn Osterhout Photography)

“The generosity behind this year’s Festival of Trees will have a direct and lasting impact,” CBC Board Chair Alecia Goudreau said. “These funds will help us continue to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment. With Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action as our third charity, our aging population who need accessibility improvements, such as ramps and other essential services will be supported. We are incredibly grateful to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and the entire community for recognizing this need and standing with us.”

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital extended its sincere appreciation to the community, whose generosity made this possible. As the news release read: “Every ticket purchased, raffle entry, auction bid, and donation helped turn a milestone anniversary into tangible support for those who need it most. As the hospital reflects on 75 years of service, this year’s Festival of Trees serves as a reminder that the strongest communities are built when celebration and compassion go together.”

Representatives from Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and CBC of Schoolcraft County pose with a giant check for $42,054, which the former donated to the latter. (Photo courtesy of SMH)