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Provena Geneva repeats in charity tree contest

Blurting out “Yessss!” and pumping a fist, Debra Norton of St. Charles rejoiced in a victory Tuesday afternoon.

The tree she crafted for the Geneva History Center's Giving Tree contest had won, for the second year in a row.

Next to Norton, Provena Geneva Care Center Activities Director Patty Miemczewski gasped when she opened the check and found out that tree had netted $4,374 in donations for the center.

Norton's mother, Edith Cyrta, lived at the center until her death in November. “It was a very spiritual journey making the tree,” said Norton, who dedicated it to her mother's memory. The reindeer-themed tree featured ornaments bearing photos of the residents and staff, and items representing the various departments, such as physical therapy, music therapy and the salon.

The secret to Provena's success is that it encourages workers' and patients' families to wear buttons encouraging people to vote in the contest. And Norton asked people to donate to the cause instead of buying flowers for her mother's funeral.

Miemczewski said she hasn't decided what to spend the money on yet, but she is thinking it could be used to buy new bells for the residents' bell choir.

Geneva History Center volunteer Mary Bencini announced the awards. “The public really does enjoy coming out to look at the trees,” she said. And “it is a great way for you to let the public know what your organization is and what you do for the community.”

Some organizations went with a theme related to their work, such as the decorative plates and cutlery on the Salvation Army Golden Diners tree. Hearts of Hope's tree tugged the heartstrings, with pictures and ornaments dedicated to people who either died from drug addiction or are in recovery.

Seventeen organizations took part in the third annual contest. Other participants were the International Order of Good Templars, Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice, Geneva Park District Foundation, Geneva Community Chest, Marklund, Kiwanis Club of Geneva, Elderday Center, National Alliance on Mental Illness DeKalb, Kane-South, & Kendall Counties, Inc., The Salvation Army Joe K. Anderson Community Center in the Tri-Cities, Geneva Lions Club, Association for Individual Development, Provena Geneva Academic Foundation, Geneva Mothers' Club and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Overall, the contest raised $6,039 for the groups and the Geneva History Center.

The Geneva Giving Trees program is designed to call attention to local nonprofit groups and agencies that help the community.

The Geneva Academic Foundation won in 2008.

The winner keeps 100 percent of the funds pledged to its tree. The rest split their take with the history center.

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission joined in the fun this year, awarding a $75 and $25 prizes to the Geneva Academic Foundation and the Templars.