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Tree of Life a Holiday Tradition
Contributed by: Sandy Nirenberg on 11/21/2007

Camarillo Hospice kicked off its annual Tree of Life Campaign in early November, with a goal of $75,000. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Tree of Life, a holiday tradition for many in the greater Camarillo area. The lighting of the Tree of Life will be the highlight of the Hospice Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 1st, beginning at 4 p.m. at Constitution Park.

Camarillo Hospice invites members of the community to "purchase" lights on the Tree of Life in memory of a loved one who has passed away or in honor of someone special in their lives, for a suggested donation of $20 per light. "We actually have two trees of life now," explains Camarillo Hospice Board member and chair of this year's Tree of Life campaign David Knapp, "the two pine trees on the Carmen Drive side of Constitution Park, near City Hall."

According to Knapp, "The Tree of Life presents a unique opportunity for friends and relatives to remember a special someone in their lives who has died or to honor someone still living who has made or currently is making a difference in their lives. At the same time, the gift supports the work of Camarillo Hospice in the community. A light on the Tree of Life is a meaningful gift that will delight the recipient while also directly benefiting people in need in our own communities."

Camarillo Hospice also offers Tree of Life sponsorships at various levels from $100 to whatever the donor would like to give. Contributions to the Tree of Life will be accepted through January 4, 2008. A memento and acknowledgement will be sent to the donor, which can be used as a meaningful holiday gift for friends, co-workers or relatives. "It's one size fits all, guaranteed to please and a really nice way of letting someone special in your life know how much they mean to you or how important a relative or friend of theirs was in your life," says Yvonne Parker, also a member of the Board of Directors of Camarillo Hospice.

"While the Tree of Life represents a holiday gift opportunity, it also is our largest fundraising activity of the year," explains John Laubacher, who is Treasurer of the organization. Camarillo Hospice helps over 6,000 people in a year, all at no cost whatsoever to them, on a budget completely funded by donations, grants and fundraising events. Every donation we receive is critical to our continued existence."

"The patient and family support services and grief counseling provided by Camarillo Hospice are amazingly helpful to those in our community who are facing any life threatening illness or grieving the loss of a loved one. Our professional staff and trained volunteers offer valuable early and often long-term care, comfort and support during a time of incredible need. And all of our programs and services are given freely," explained Sandy Nirenberg, Executive Director.

The following letter was received from a surviving family member who benefited from the services of Camarillo Hospice: "

The Tree of Life Holiday Celebration will feature music by local talent and a brief program about the amazing gift of life, the value of hospice care and the importance of human relationships. "The entertainment will be great, but the highlight, as always, will be the lighting of the Tree of Life," says Knapp. The entire list of those remembered and honored, along with the names of the donors, will be included in the Holiday program (via PowerPoint).

Founded in 1978, Camarillo Hospice offers practical and emotional assistance to individuals and families who are facing a life threatening or chronic illness and/or dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. As a volunteer hospice, Camarillo Hospice provides all services free of charge. Bereavement services, including individual and family counseling as well as support groups, are available to any Ventura County resident who is grieving a loss, regardless of whether hospice was involved with the patient.

For further information regarding the Tree of Life or the programs and services of Camarillo Hospice, call 389-6870, email info@camarillohospice.org, or visit the website at www.camarillohospice.org.



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