January 2, 2008 > 12th Annual Trees of Angels Campaign a Great Success 12th Annual Trees of Angels Campaign a Great Success The 12th annual Trees of Angels campaign was a rousing success. Trees of Angels was started in the Tri-City area by Al Bernardin, owner of several local McDonald's franchises, and the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation (WHHF) as part of a joint commitment to supporting hospice care. Washington Hospital works with Pathways Hospice to ensure the comfort and dignity of people nearing the end of life. Hundreds of guests attended the tree-lighting ceremonies in Fremont, Union City and Newark. The 2007 Trees of Angels campaign kicked off with the first tree-lighting ceremony of the season on November 26 at the Bernardin Family McDonald's located on Mission Blvd and Interstate 680. Fremont Mayor Bob Wasserman took honors lighting the tree and students from the Mission San Jose High School Chamber Chorale sang to the assembled crowd. The second ceremony, on November 28, was held at the Nakamura Clinic in Union City. Union City Councilwoman Carol Dutra-Vernaci took honors lighting the tree for a very appreciative audience from Union City. Washington Hospital sponsored this joint event with the Union City Chamber of Commerce, providing attendees with the chance to support Trees of Angels and mingle with each other over refreshments donated by local restaurants. On December 1, Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation hosted the Children's Holiday Breakfast. More than 200 attendees enjoyed breakfast from McDonald's, a magic show from Ronald McDonald, and a photo session with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Big thanks to "Grins 2 Go" for donating their digital photography services. The final Trees of Angels lighting ceremony took place December 13 at the Silliman Center in Newark. Newark Mayor Dave Smith took the honors of lighting the tree and the ceremony was followed by entertainment provided by the Newark Symphonic Winds who played a number of seasonal selections. "The Foundation would like to thank all of the people who have volunteered their time to help make these events possible," says WHHF Executive Director Brent Hodson. "Thank you to all who attended the events in support of local hospice care." Hodson notes that people who still wish to contribute to this important community service may still do so. "During this season of giving and family celebrations, a gift to hospice care is a wonderful way to help terminally ill patients be with their loved ones during the holidays." Your tax-deductible donation of $10 or more will help ensure that local individuals and families know about and have access to hospice care. Each donation to light a symbolic bulb in the Trees of Angels campaign shines in honor or in memory of a loved one. Donors who contribute $50 or more will receive a special angel tree ornament and recognition in the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation's newsletter. To donate, please make checks payable to Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation and mail to WHHF, 2000 Mowry Avenue, Fremont, CA 94538. For further information about Trees of Angels, please call (510) 791-3428, email foundation@whhs.com, or visit www.treesofangels.org. For more information about hospice services, please call (888) 755-7855. The Washington Hospital Foundation would like to thank the following Trees of Angels sponsors: Benefactor Sponsor R.K. Electric, Inc. Media Sponsor Argus Dove Sponsors Patricia & Richard Ash Dr. & Mrs. Moses Taghioff Washington Outpatient Surgery Center Star Sponsors Fremont Rotary Club Scott Haggerty, Alameda County Supervisor Gerry Harrison Heritage Bank of Commerce Keith & Verna Krugman Masonic Homes of California Niles Fremont Rotary Club Park Central Care & Rehab Center Spin-a-Yarn Restaurant In-Kind and Raffle Donors Bay Cities Produce Company Bernardin Family McDonald's Bob Johnson, California Supply North Cabrillo Park Cafˇ Cloverleaf Family Bowl Colin Shutes, Southern Wine and Spirits Dana Hernandez Goldilock's Bakery Grins2Go Hometown Buffet Kerry Ingredients Linda Vigil Paddy's Coffee Sue and Mark Querner, Gift Gallery Rose's Cafˇ Silliman Activity Center Texas Roadhouse Union City Chamber of Commerce Z Pizza Performers James Logan High School Jazz Singers Mission San Jose Chamber Chorale Newark Symphonic Winds Ronald McDonald