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About 50 residents braved wet weather Friday night to remember lost family and friends at the 25th annual Hospice of the East Bay Tree of Lights ceremony. With services in 14 locations throughout the county, each light on every tree is symbolic of a life, Hospice said.
“The tree lightings are held to honor or remember friends or family members that have died or haven’t died; sometimes you just want to honor a teacher or parent. Everyone is invited to participate,” said Hospice’s Robin Jones.
The Friday evening ceremony included short speeches from Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan (D-15) and Danville Mayor Karen Stepper, both of whom expressed gratitude toward Hospice after having used its services.
“Danville is proud to be a part of these events,” said Stepper, whose best friend was a recipient of Hospice care. “Hospice is an organization that helps people hold these memories in their hearts.”
For Kathy Kavanagh, a Hospice employee whose parents both went through end-of-life care, Hospice provided necessary direction, socialization and comfort to all members of her family.
“They gave me those precious hours, they slip through your fingers,” Kavanagh said of bringing her father to the inpatient Bruns House during his last days battling cancer. “The thing that gives me the greatest comfort is that I gave the people I care about most to the right hospice.”
Event coordinators read the names of approximately 130 “lights” before walking outside of Danville’s town meeting hall to light candles and gaze upon a glowing tree. Although many attendees disbursed, several groups stayed huddled around the tree with somber faces.
Susan Battaglini attended the tree lighting with her children and grandchildren to support the organization that took care of her husband, David, during his final days in 2009. A long-time Danville resident, Battaglini said the Hospice tree lighting is an important event that brings together those who have lost loved ones throughout the community.
With seven more fundraiser tree lightings — including one in Blackhawk on Dec. 2 and another in Alamo on Dec. 14 — Hospice expects to make approximately $73,000 through light purchases and tree sponsorships, Jones said. Funds will be put toward community-based hospice care and various bereavement programs held by the Pleasant Hill-based nonprofit.
The Tree of Lights ceremony began in 1986, after Hospice cared for Ed Haagensen. His wife, Win, demonstrated her gratitude for the compassionate services he received by organizing a donations table at the Livery, Danville ceremonies and passing out hospice information. Originating from her efforts, tree lighting ceremonies now occur in Concord, Lafayette and Antioch.
