Press Release

Burgess Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 6 will Celebrate Life Milestones

Members of the public are invited to light a bulb in honor of a milestone and attend a tree-lighting ceremony for the first annual Christmas Milestone Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the front entrance of Burgess Health Center.

The Blencoe Family Singers will perform carols and Christmas cookies, coffee and cider will be served in the hospital lobby.

Twinkly white lights on a 10-foot fir tree will serve as a background for special blue bulbs which represent milestones. Persons can “purchase” a milestone bulb to recognize a life milestone such as the birth of a child, a birthday, graduation, weddings, anniversary, retirement, and special occasion or to simply honor a loved one for the holidays. 

There also will be lights on the Milestone Tree representing persons named in memorials and honorariums to Burgess Foundation in the past two years.

The 10-foot fir is donated by Jenny Hardeman of Decatur, Neb. Members of the foundation’s commemorative giving committee involved in the project are: Helen Thomas, Georgia Redding and Jeanne Virtue.

“I think it’s an appealing and interesting project that adds to the festive spirit of the holidays,” says Thomas. “We encourage people to donate to recognize a loved one and help the tree shine brightly.” Lights will be added to the tree as commemorative gifts are received, Thomas adds.

Persons wanting to have a light on the tree in honor of or in memory of an individual, family or group can send their commemorative gift to Burgess Foundation, 1600 Diamond St, Onawa, Iowa. The foundation is asking for a minimum donation of $10 per bulb. For more information call 712-423-9374.