The 20th anniversary of the Festival Of Trees has proven to be a successful one.

The fundraiser, which was held last month in Red Deer, not only broke records in attendance during the five day event, but a record number of money was raised as well.

More than $1.28 million was raised during the event, the highest amount raised in the event’s history. As well, 24,300 guests walked through the doors, 2,600 volunteers helped out during the event, 554 donors gave back to the cause and 1,500 volunteer entertainers came together to help make this year’s Festival Trees a success, officials said.

“I’m always blown away and what it really comes down to is that it is a huge collaboration and it’s amazing what we can do when we all come together,” said Alaine Martin, project officer for the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

This year, proceeds raised from the 2013 Festival of Trees will go towards upgrading equipment and technology for Diagnostic Imaging, Urology and the operating room.

Diagnostic Imaging and Urology will work in collaboration to purchase and install a new imaging unit in the operating room in Red Deer Regional Hospital. The urology imaging equipment will assist the urologist with visualization of the urinary tracts of males and females and the reproductive system of males. When not in use for imaging, the equipment will be used for prostate surgeries, stent insertions and/or any procedure that requires access to the bladder in a surgical environment.

The Festival of Trees has raised over $10.7 million to date for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Festival of Trees is a week-long event at the end of November and boasts more 10 special events, a tree room with decorated Christmas trees on display for auction, raffle alley, silent auction items, gift shop, sweet shop and of course, Candy Cane Lane and Santa’s Secret Shoppe for the children.

Next year’s Festival of Trees will run Nov. 26-30.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com