What to know about the decades old tradition

WRITTEN BY Olivia Narawa

   // Sparkling lights are often symbolic of the holidays, but sometimes these brilliant winter beacons have a deeper meaning. Throughout November and early December, Hospice East Bay puts on more than ten tree lighting ceremonies throughout Contra Costa County to honor lost loved ones and raise money for those in hospice care. 

   Many people who are suffering from terminal and incurable diseases or conditions may choose to enter hospice care as their condition declines. Hospice care offers support and comfort to patients so that they can live their remaining days comfortably, often at home instead of in a hospital setting. What makes hospice care so unique is that it is more than just end-of-life medical care. Hospice care includes emotional support for the patient and their family, including pet and music therapy, and respite for family caretakers. 

   Hospice East Bay has been providing this care in Contra Costa County since 1977. As a nonprofit organization, Hospice East Bay accepts all medically qualified patients, regardless of whether they have insurance or the ability to pay.  This financially supported care is available because of the donations and large numbers of volunteers who work for Hospice East Bay without compensation. Hospice East Bay receives donations through their thrift shops and many fundraisers, but more donations are always greatly appreciated to support their patients. This winter, Hospice East Bay will host one of its more well-known fundraising efforts: tree lighting ceremonies. 

   In 1985, when Winifred “Win” Haagersen’s husband Ed died in hospice care, she began organizing donation efforts. Eventually, those efforts resulted in the first Hospice East Bay Tree Lighting ceremony in 1986 in Danville, California. Haagersen’s outstanding contributions to hospice care in the East Bay community were recognized in 1991 when the California state legislature named November 29 “Winifred Haagersen Day” for her work. 

   Since that first tree lighting ceremony in 1986, the tradition has grown to eleven locations throughout Contra Costa County. The moving ceremonies build a community-like activity and inspire onlookers to continue volunteering and donating to charities. All donations go to the care Hospice East Bay provides for their patients and family members. The ceremony is open to everyone, and even non-donors can go and support Hospice East Bay. The annual tree-lighting ceremonies are a unique way to memorialize loved ones, while also enjoying the beautiful spectacle of holiday lights. 

   Many people find the holidays to be a time where they want to be with family and friends, and to contribute to charities. Donating to charities like Hospice East Bay is a great holiday tradition and donors are supporting a local organization doing good work within the community. Plus, in addition to seeing the sparkling lights, it is a great opportunity to chat with other spectators at the gathering afterward, while enjoying snacks and hot drinks. Even if you cannot donate this year, supporting a local non-profit is always a great idea.