Pokerwinski Family donates tree to Mott’s Children’s Hospital

In 1973 a tree was planted in Sumpter Township in memory of Raymond Pokerwinski and to mark the birth of Richard and Sharon Pokerwinski’s son Rick.
The tree was planted near the corner of the home of Raymond and Mary Pokerwinski, who were the parents of Rickard Pokerwinski.
Some 40 years later the tree had to come down because of being too close to the home. Independent Editor Rosemary Otzman put a note in her column that the Pokerwinskis wanted to give the 25-foot-tall tree to anyone that wanted it for a Christmas tree. It was perfectly shaped.
The Pokerwinskis received a call from a lady that read the information and told them of a contact number for the horticultural department at the University of Michigan.
Sharon contacted that U of M person and was told that they would have to come out and take a picture of the tree because they also had five other trees to consider. They did come out and inspected the tree and took numerous pictures from all different angles.
About a week later the Pokerwinskis were contacted and told that their tree was selected. Both of the Pokerwinskis’ children, Rick and Amy, were born at Mott’s Children Hospital and Sharon worked there for 13 years.
The horticultural convoy came out and cut down the tree and hauled it away to be erected before Thanksgiving. The Pokerwinskis received a call when the tree was on display in the courtyard of the hospital and were told to come and view it in the evening.
It was overwhelming to see it on display for many to view. The tree was 25 feet tall filled with blue and gold lights. Donating the tree is something that they can talk about for years to come. They have other trees on their property but not as perfect as this one.
The Pokerwinskis recommend that if anyone has a tree that they think can be put on display for a great cause, to do so.