'Light Up a Life' Tree-Lighting Ceremony

(HNC) invites people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to celebrate their memory at an inspiring "Light Up a Life" tree-lighting ceremony and memorial. The event takes place on Dec. 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), located at 704 Pier View Way in downtown Oceanside.

Pre-registration is recommended; guests can RSVP and obtain full event details at hospicenorthcoast.org. Reservations also can be made by phone at 760-448-4262.

The Light Up a Life event, which is open to the public, serves as a memorial celebration while helping to raise funds for HNC. According to Executive Director Nerice Kaufman, "Proceeds support our rainbow of hospice services, including the exceptional end-of-life care, bereavement and healing programs that our community nonprofit provides to all, regardless of ability to pay. We are grateful to the OMA for 'gifting' us with the use of their facility for the ceremony. The money we raise will enable us to treat hundreds of terminal patients whose families will never be billed. We ease our dying clients' transition and help those who love them continue on their life's path."

Light Up a Life guests can honor their loved ones at multiple levels of support. Those donating will have the names of their loved one listed in the program, which will be published in print and electronic formats.  People donating $75 or more will receive a collectible 2010 Light Up a Life ornament. Donations of $100 or more will feature the name of the loved one engraved upon the ornament.

"We hope to share Light Up a Life with many people throughout North County, including the military and families of HNC clients who have passed on," states Kaufman. "We encourage people who cannot attend this event to donate online. Their generosity will help ensure that our skilled and compassionate team of staff and volunteers can continue providing professional, empathetic programs and services into the future."

Light Up a Life Will Be Joyful, Inspirational

Kaufman believes, "Our annual Light Up a Life memorial celebration offers an inspirational way to get the holiday season off to a heart-warming start. Sharing the ceremony with others who have lost loved ones helps the healing process immensely."

Guests should plan to arrive a few minutes prior to the 2 p.m. start. In addition to the tree-lighting ceremony, participants can enjoy musical performances, group singing, light refreshments and a life-affirming message delivered by nationally known peacemaker Azim Kahmisa. All in attendance will have an opportunity to remember a loved one by lighting a memorial candle.

The nonprofit Hospice of the North Coast was established in 1980 to fill the need for comprehensive, compassionate hospice care in North County San Diego. Since its inception, it has grown in services, staff and clients; it currently provides a full spectrum of programs to terminally ill clients and to their families, including bereavement support. To fulfill its mission of maintaining dignity, comfort and the highest quality of life for those it serves, regardless of ability to pay, Hospice of the North Coast hosts fundraising events, operates a family support camp and resale shop, and maintains a cadre of volunteers.