Construction Technology students at the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College beamed with pride when they heard that the “Little Lodge” they built and donated to the Festival of Trees brought in a record $20,000 this month. In the history of the Festival of Trees, the most any playhouse fetched was about $8,000.

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. “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.”

Construction of the miniature log cabin, complete with a rock fireplace, wood floors, electricity, and milled custom cabinets, took over 1,500 man hours, and approximately $4,000 in materials. Tyson Ballard, one of the carpentry students who has been in the program for three months said, “Doing the floor was the best part, the way it all fit together so well. I really learned a lot about framing and molding and had a lot of fun on the project.”

“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 18 students from the Electrical, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Cabinet-Making and Welding Programs. Instructors that were instrumental in the project were Ken Foote, Kelly Kennedy, Rick Brown, and Mike Foley. Pat Dean and Don Schmitt in facilities assisted Jack B. Parson Company with transportation of the house to the festival. Special thanks
to Program Director, Curtis Nielsen who continues to
support and encourage the project every year.

Contractors and business partners who donated time and materials included Rands Roofing, Perkes Roofing, Harris Stone, American Timbercraft, Roofers Supply, Rick Nelson Construction, Regency Development and Construction, Bennetts Paint and Glass, Moyes Glass, DMC, Wheelwright Lumber, Jack B. Parson Company and students from Mrs. Hirschi’s Communications class at Weber High School.

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 the proceeds going back into the construction programs. Classes begin every Monday and tuition is only $1.25 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 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 - 627-8330

Mike Foley - Project Manager - 627-8344

April Bench – Northern Wasatch Home Builders Association – 479-5230