Light Up A Life Trees Shine Brightly and Raise $30,000 for Providence TrinityCare
Not one, not two, but three Light Up A Life trees were filled with stars to benefit Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation, and specifically TrinityKids Care. Throughout the month of December trees at the Westin Long Beach Hotel, Red Car Brewery in Old Torrance and Unionbanc Investment Services in Sherman Oaks, were filled with special stars purchased in memory of lost loved ones. Gifts from these special trees, totally over $30,000, are used to provide the comfort of hospice and warmth of the holiday season to the lives of our neediest, terminally ill patients and their families.
Ventura Blvd Magazine and Unionbanc Investment Services sponsored the first “Red Carpet” Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Union Bank building in Sherman Oaks. Guests were treated to fine food from Casa Vega, Firenze Osteria, Vino Wine and Tapas, Bleeker Street and Whole Foods, and fabulous libations from Harmonie Liquors, Izze’s Sparkling Juices, Moreno Champagne and Whole Foods. It was a black-tie affair enjoyed by all in attendance.
At the Red Car Brewery in Torrance, owners Laurie and Bob Brandt instructed their employees and servers to distribute envelopes with a bright red TrinityKids Care star to each patron. Servers collected stars and donations throughout the holiday season to benefit our youngest patients at end of life. At the special tree lighting ceremony, Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto, greeted guests while they enjoyed complimentary apple cider and appetizers. And, an additional 15% of each patron’s dinner bill was donated back to TrinityKids Care.
The Westin Long Beach Hotel held a lively tree lighting ceremony for 100 city dignitaries, hospice employees, family and friends. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and drinks were enjoyed by all, and pianist Shaun Allaway entertained guests. Gold stars adorned the Westin Long Beach tree, with proceeds benefiting patients and their families served through Providence TrinityCare Hospice.
Eleven-year old Joseph Peterson places his star on the valley tree in honor of his brother.
At Red Car Brewery: (from left) Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto, Jamie Andrews, RN, Providence TrinityKids Care, Laurie Brandt, owner, Red Car Brewery, Scott Sharpe, Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation, and Peggy Buker, Providence TrinityCare Hospice Foundation
The Tanaka Family pose in front of the tree at the Westin in honor of their son (and brother), Aiden.