Hospice of San Joaquin marked its 36th year illuminating the Tree of Lights on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The event, which started with a single tree on the Delta College campus, has now spread to eight cities across San Joaquin County.
Each year volunteers from PG&E and community members decorate the tree with thousands of lights all of which are dedicated through donations.
While tree lighting is often seen as celebrating Christmas and the holiday season, it ultimately is a celebration of life for those that have a light on the tree dedicated to them.
“I saw a woman in tears because she had a family member’s light on the tree,” said Delta College Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler.
This year’s event started with a welcome speech by Paul Balestracci, the Board President from Hospice of San Joaquin.
“The event commemorates our connection with our loved ones and celebrates how they’ve touched us and brightened our lives,” said Balestracci.
After the welcome, Dan Lane, a volunteer from hospice with the Veteran to Veteran program, spoke an invocation.
“When we flip the switch on the tree of lights tonight more than just a glow of lights occurs, we ignite memories of every loved one that is identified with a single light,” said Lane.
Following the invocation a speech was given by Delta College Foundation Executive Director Joseph Feneck.
“Every time I drive across campus or down Pacific Avenue during the holiday season this monumental tree and all the beautiful lights signifies strong feelings of comfort, peace and memories,” said Feneck.
The lighting of the tree was done by Madelaine Nunez from Stockton’s Annunciation School, who also illustrated the cover drawing for the event.
Hospice of San Joaquin is the only non-profit hospice organization in San Joaquin County, according to its website. It operates the Hospice House on Pacific Avenue, across from the University of the Pacific.
