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Sandy police say someone swiped a centerpiece — which had been auctioned off for $1,650 to go to Primary Children's Hospital — at the Festival of Trees last weekend.

"Just bring it back so the buyer can have a Christmas miracle," pleaded Sandy resident Stan Schulze, 68, who made the piece.

Standing about 20 inches tall, the tree-shape sculpture is made out of mechanical parts and holiday ornaments. Schulze had spent since October 2015 tinkering with the creation, which apparently was snatched during the festival's bagpipe march on Dec. 3 while an aisle attendant looked away for a few minutes.

The Festival of Trees could not be reached for comment.

Though the bidder who won the piece still plans to donate the money to the hospital, Schulze is asking the thief to return the sculpture to any Intermountain Healthcare location. And he doesn't want the person to face any legal repercussions.

"We don't want to find fault," Schulze said. "I'd be glad to help this person create their own and teach them what it's all about."

Schulze has been donating pieces to the festival since 1989. This year, he had two pieces auctioned off — the second was a smaller LED tree under a glass dome. The organization accepts as donations decorated trees, wreaths and sculptures, auctioning them for charity. Last year, according to its website, the festival raised more than $2 million.

Sandy police are investigating, but Sgt. Dean Carriger said the department reviewed surveillance footage and has no leads.

Twitter: @CourtneyLTanner