Downtown Fredericksburg Holiday Open House Brings Cheer and Generosity to Mary Washington Healthcare

Fredericksburg, VA, (November 21, 2025) – A heartwarming highlight of Fredericksburg’s annual Holiday Open House was the Otter-ly Amazing Giveback initiative. Through a special “get one, give one” program, Fredericksburg Main Street sold plush otters. For every otter purchased, one was donated to Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC). Thanks to the community’s generosity, 150 otters will soon bring comfort to pediatric patients in care at Mary Washington Hospital and all four MWHC Emergency Departments.

The festive weekend held November 15–16 and hosted by Fredericksburg Main Street and Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism, also featured the beloved Tree Lighting at Riverfront Park, where families gathered for music, activities, and holiday cheer.

“Moments like this show what’s possible when our community comes together with heart,” said Bart Goldberg, Fredericksburg Main Street President. “The enthusiasm and generosity we saw from our Otter-ly Amazing Giveback reflects how much Fredericksburg cares for the people and businesses that make our city thrive.”

Debra Marinari, Associate Vice President of Nursing, Mary Washington Healthcare, added: “These donations mean so much to the children and families we serve. A simple gesture like receiving a plush otter can bring comfort during what can be a stressful time. We are deeply grateful to Fredericksburg Main Street and everyone who contributed to making this possible.”

Photo from left to right: Philip Pierce (FVMS Treasurer), Bart Goldberg (FVMS President), Kristen Reed (Assistant Director), Chris Allen (Executive Director), Lindsey Marine (Social Media Manager), Paris Gardner (Pediatric Nurse), Natalie Rios (Pediatric Nurse) , RiDonna Walker (Pediatric Nurse Manager), Tonja Crouch (Social Worker), and Ann Weed (Director, Women’s Services)

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About Mary Washington Healthcare:

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to providing care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.