A picture is worth a thousand words and Daniel Wahlquist, Nate Parkinson and Isaac Foley’s picture spoke volumes during their training as stone masons
and carpenters at the Ogden-Weber Tech College.  They were invited by the instructors at the college to participate in a very special project for the Festival of Trees.

For the past 20 years the College has participated, in partnership with the Northern Wasatch Home Builders Association and other contractors in the area, to donate materials, hard work and time to benefit Primary Children’s Medical Center.

Each year the team decides on a theme for a very special play house.  Since these three young men all have a connection to Primary Children’s Hospital, they thought it only fitting to call this year’s project, “Down Home.” Each of the boys is 13 years old, attends Orion Jr. High School and has Down Syndrome.   “It’s very personal to us,” said Mike Foley, Project Manager and Carpentry Instructor at the OWATC. “We’ve all had a connection to Primary Children’s in one way or another.” Isaac is Mike’s son.

Construction of the miniature log cabin, complete with a rock fireplace, wood floors, electricity, and milled custom cabinets, typically takes over 1,500 man hours to complete and approximately $4,000 in materials.  Last year their donation brought in a record $22,000.

“That’s what this program is all about,” said Foley.  “We not only teach them how to be great carpenters so they can earn a living, but we are teaching them to be the contractors and project managers of the future, we want them to know it’s important to give back to the community.”

It’s a great opportunity for students to work side by side with contractors from Weber County in a hands-on setting where both employer and potential employee get to know each other.  “People really get into this,” said Foley. “Contractors have been known to bring in pizzas for everyone so they can stay late to get the project completed.”  Participants from the OWATC included students from the Electrical, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Cabinet-Making and Welding Programs.

About the OWATC Construction Programs:
Construction workers in Utah are in high demand.  This industry created more new jobs last year than any other. With the demand so high, employers are seeking more skilled workers to grow their businesses. Students can receive their training at the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College in construction programs in less than one year.

In addition to building and donating a playhouse each year to the Festival of Trees, the students at the OWATC build a home on site to learn hands-on skills in an actual work setting.  The homes are then sold to a low-income family with some of the proceeds going back into the construction programs. Classes begin every Monday and tuition is only $1.30 per hour. Visit the website at: www.owatc.com or call 801-627-8300 for more information.

About the Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees was conceived in 1971 when a hospital volunteer vacationed in Hawaii and attended a Christmas boutique featuring decorated Christmas trees and other decorations. The first year $47,000 was raised. In its 31st year, the Festival moved to the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy, Utah. Over the years, this beautiful event has blossomed into a forest of more than 700 trees, a gift boutique of handmade articles, a sweet shop of freshly made candies and baked goods, a display of wreath and door decorations, backyard playhouses, centerpieces, hot scones and sweet rolls to enjoy while walking through the trees. In all, it spans over 240,000 square feet of display space.

Every penny (100%) raised at the Festival goes to provide medical care for needy children at Primary Children's Medical Center. For ways to help, contact Primary Children's Medical Center at 801- 588-3674 or festivaloftrees@ihc.com to receive the necessary information.

About Primary Children’s Medical Center
Primary Children's Medical Center is the pediatric center serving five states in the Intermountain West - Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and Montana. The 235-bed facility is equipped and staffed to treat children with complex illness and injury. PCMC is owned by Intermountain Healthcare, a non-profit health care system. In addition, it is affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, integrating pediatric programs, research and training for childhood problems.

Contacts:
Elsa Zweifel
Marketing
801-627-8330

Mike Foley
Project Manager
627-8344

April Bench
Northern Wasatch Home Builders Association
479-5230