Day Kimball Health’s 36th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony Raises $33,500 for Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern CT

On Sunday, Dec. 7, families and friends gathered on village greens in 11 communities across northeast Connecticut for Day Kimball Health’s 36th annual Hospice Tree of Life ceremony. This year’s tree-lighting tradition raised $33,500 to support hospice and palliative care services in the region. 

Roger Franklin, a longtime volunteer of more than 22 years, served as the campaign’s chairperson.  

Supported by local clergy, civic organizations, community members, and hospice staff and volunteers, the ceremonies were held in the towns of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Danielson, Eastford, Griswold, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Sterling, Thompson, and Woodstock. Trees at each location were decorated with colored lights, each bulb representing donations collected in memory of loved ones or in honor of caregivers throughout the community.  

Activities at each site included holiday-themed musical entertainment by local chorus groups and personal stories about the impact of hospice and palliative care on those served, culminating in the lighting of the ceremonial Tree of Life. 

The purchase of memorial lights on each community’s Tree of Life supports the work done by Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut, a service division of Day Kimball Healthcare at Home, which enhances the lives of seriously and terminally ill patients and their families. Skilled professionals and trained volunteers provide care through individualized plans that meet the physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional needs of patients and their families throughout end-of-life and bereavement care. 

“This event is one of my favorite Hospice events and takes place during the holiday season, which I see as a season of hope,” stated Kim Durand, RN, MSN, Hospice Program Manager, Day Kimball Health at Home. “The event and the donations it generates provide comfort and hope to our Hospice patients and their families.”

Funds raised through this event are used to support hospice and palliative care services provided to the community that are not covered by insurance, including bereavement programs and services, as well as comfort items that improve patients’ quality of life. In addition, these funds help provide ongoing education for the hospice team, ensuring that they remain current and equipped to deliver the highest level of care.

“The Tree of Life is such a special tradition for so many families in Northeast Connecticut and one of the most significant fundraising opportunities to support hospice and palliative care services in our region,” said Kristen Willis, Development Director, Day Kimball Health. “Most importantly, it’s an opportunity and deeply personal way to celebrate a loved one, honor a caregiver, and pay tribute to so many remarkable individuals who have forever left their mark on our community and in our hearts.”

More information about the event can be found at daykimball.org/TreeOfLife.

To learn more about Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern CT, visit daykimball.org/athome. 

Photo Caption: Family and friends gather in Putnam, CT, to light the Tree of Life in honor of Elizabeth (Betty) Smith. L to R: Rev. Jonathan Scott, Chaplain, Day Kimball Health; Collette Emery Currier, Executive Director, Creamery Brook Village; Honorary Tree Lighters Bart Smith and granddaughter, Danielle Smith; and Simonne Braise, Physical Therapy Assistant, Day Kimball Health