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On Thursday, December 6th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carolina Event and Conference Center, Hospice of Rutherford County held its 16th annual “Festival Of Trees”.
This years event required four Christmas trees to hold all the ornaments. Ornaments are either “In Memory Of” or “In Honor Of”. Each year a special ornament is designed for the occasion. This year’s ornament design was an open seashell with a pearl inside. It was very appropriate being that 2012 was the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Hospice of Rutherford County. Over 1500 ornaments were made for this years special occasion. People from all over came to claim their ornaments and take them home.
At the special reception during this event, friends came together to spend time sharing memories and tell stories of their loved ones. The Hospice staff were most accommodating, helping everyone find their ornaments and welcoming them. Hospice also offers a “Remembrance Bear Program”. Remembrance Bears are made of clothing of a loved one - favorite pajamas, golf shirt, or dress. Anyone can receive a bear by making a donation.
Hospice of Rutherford County utilizes the funds raised by the annual “Festival Of Trees” to ensure that Hospice patients can access care regardless of their age, diagnosis or economic situation. The concept of hospice has been evolving since the 11th century. Many of the foundational principles by which modern hospice services operate were pioneered in the 1950s by a British registered nurse, Dame Cicely Saunders. Hospice has rapidly expanded through the United Kingdom, the United States and elsewhere because of her.
This year, over $26,000 was raised to help continue the program. That this special event does so much good and reaches out to the people of Rutherford County is truly a blessing. This annual program is a great indication of the continuing caring nature which is a great part of Rutherford County.
