Press Release
 5151 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA 95207 |
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For Immediate Release
11/26/2014
26th Annual Hospice of San Joaquin "Tree of Lights"
Ceremony
Hospice of San Joaquin Tree of Lights - 26 Years at Delta College
(Stockton, CA)
The Hospice of San Joaquin and Delta College illuminated the
holiday sky at the 26th Annual
Hospice of San Joaquin "Tree of Lights" Ceremony, Tue., Nov. 25, 6 p.m. at Delta’s main Pacific Avenue entrance. As is traditional, a local
hospice services family or family representative flips the giant PG&E switch, coloring the tree with
1600 multicolored lights. This year, Alice Pittman, representing the hospice family of Maurice Gowns and Clifford Brown, had that honor.
A seasonal Stockton favorite, this popular and festive ceremony
rings in a dazzling opening to the holiday season. It's always a magnificent
sight as one of Delta’s huge Pacific Avenue evergreens blooms to colorful life.
The college likes to boast: “We believe Delta has the best holiday tree in
Stockton!”
A dedicated crew of volunteers from PG&E decorates the tree each year. PG&E switched to "energy efficient" LED lights several years ago. The team coordinates 2 aerial lifts, which allows the crew to wrap over 3,000 ft. of light cable around Delta's huge fir tree. In addition, about 3,000 ft. of garland trims the tree…over one mile of decorations! No easy task.
For 26 years, PG&E Supervisor, Mark
Rasmussen, has directed his crew of devoted volunteers. Normally, about
10 volunteers are needed. “We usually have the same group of PG&E volunteers
each year," says Rasmussen. "I wouldn’t say we have it down to a science, but
we’re getting better every year." As with any big job, there's no substitute for
experience. "It used to take us two days," adds Rasmussen, "now we can get the
job done in one! Most importantly, it’s for a great cause.”
Last year, Rasmussen and
his crew received special recognition for their many years of devoted work at the Hospice of San Joaquin
dinner. Delta College also received an award as host of Stockton's "Tree of
Lights" for 25 years. Stephen Guasco, CEO of Hospice of San Joaquin said, "The
Board and staff are deeply grateful for the long and loyal support of San
Joaquin Delta College, which reflects its leadership in the community."
As Delta College enters its 26th year as host of Stoctkon's Hospice Tree of Lights, the 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 the 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 to light the tree. These families emphasize the Hospice of San Joaquin’s commitment to help those in need who face terminal illness.” Gomes would like to highlight that the public can donate to this great cause after December 31.
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...
For more information and to donate a light, call the Hospice of San Joaquin: (209)
957-3888, or visit the Hospice of San Joaquin online at: www.hospicesj.org.
Delta College's "Hospice of
San Joaquin Tree of Lights"
Alice Pittman, representing the hospice family of Maurice Gowns and Clifford Brown, flips the switch!
This is Delta College's 26th year as host of
Stockton's Hospice Tree of Lights!
Another big crowd at this year's ceremony.
Delta College Superintendent/President Kathy Hart addresses the crowd at this year's event.
Hospice donors
find a loved one's name on the marquee under the Hospice Tree of
Lights.
Light up a
Light...Light up a Life...