Delta College campus
 

Press Release

Media Advisory
For More Information Contact:
Carolyn Gomes
Hospice of San Joaquin
(209) 922-0242  
www.hospicesj.org

For Immediate Release

21st ANNUAL HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN “TREE OF LIGHTS”
ILLUMINATES THE HOLIDAY SKY, NOV. 24

(Stockton)

The Hospice of San Joaquin and Delta College will illuminate the holiday sky with the 21st Annual “Hospice Tree of Lights” Ceremony, Nov. 24, 6 p.m. at Delta’s Pacific Avenue entrance. This popular and festive ceremony rings in the season, illuminating the sky with thousands of multicolored lights. A seasonal favorite, Delta’s magnificent 80-ft. evergreen blooms to life as the giant PG&E switch is flipped on. The event always signals a dazzling opening to the holidays with music, cookies and hot cider for all who attend. As Delta College boasts, “The best holiday tree in Stockton!”

A dedicated crew of volunteers from PG&E decorates the tree each year. The team coordinates four aerial lifts, which allow the crew to wrap over 3,000 ft. of light cable around the huge fir tree. In addition, about 3,000 ft. of garland trims the tree…over one mile of decorations! No easy task.

For 21 years, PG&E Supervisor Mark Rasmussen has directed his devoted volunteers. “We usually have the same group of PG&E volunteers each year. I wouldn’t say we have it down to a science, but we’re getting better every year. We always learn a better way to decorate the tree. It used to take us two days…now we can get the job done in one! Most important, it’s for a great cause.”

The Hospice Tree of Lights ceremony has another important purpose: To remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on the “Tree of Lights.”  Names of honorees and donors are placed on a marquee at the base of the tree through Dec. 31.  Proceeds from the “Tree of Lights” help Hospice of San Joaquin provide the highest level of care for terminally ill patients, their families and the bereaved of our community.

Carolyn Gomes, of Hospice of San Joaquin, says, “We always invite a hospice family that has young children to light the tree. It emphasizes Hospice of San Joaquin’s commitment to the families of those facing terminal illness…for those in need.”

Family and friends are invited to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a light on San Joaquin Delta College’s Tree of Lights. Light up a light…light up a life.

To donate a light, call the Hospice of San Joaquin at, (209) 922-0242, or, visit Hospice of San Joaquin online at: www.hospicesj.org/news_events/hospicesj_events/tree_of_lights.html

Join the “Hospice Tree of Lights” in Stockton, and at five other San Joaquin County locations:

Tracy: Tracy Outlets, 1005 E. Pescadero Ave., Fri., Dec. 4, 6 p.m.
Manteca: Doctors Hospital of Manteca, 1260 North St., Wed.., Dec. 2, 6 p.m.
Lockeford: Wells Fargo Bank, 19000 N. Hwy. 88, Wed., Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.
Lodi: Lodi City Hall, 221 W. Pine St., Lodi, Thur. Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Rio Vista: Rio Vista City Hall, 1 Main Street, Sat. Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.

Delta College Hospice Tree of Lights

                      San Joaquin Delta College/Hospice of San Joaquin “Tree of Lights”                 

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