Weather, Economy Does Not Dampen VNS Tree of Light

BRIDGEPORT—More than 600 area residents braved cold, rainy weather December 11 to participate in Tree of Light remembrance programs held in a dozen communities acrosssouthern Connecticut.  December’s program marked the 18th consecutive year that Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut has sponsored the annual tradition of the Tree of Light event, which provides the opportunity for residents to remember and honor lost loved ones during nondenominational ceremonies in Bridgeport, Fairfield,  Easton, Huntington/Shelton, Milford, Monroe, Oxford, Southbury, Southport, Stratford, Trumbull and Westport.

Tree of Light participants make memorial donations for lights on each of the community trees in remembrance of lost loved ones, with the proceeds going to help underwrite the cost of the agency’s Hospice at Home™ program, particularly for those who cannot afford to pay for those services.  The agency also raises funds through program sponsorships.  In 2008, VNS of Connecticut subsidized some $6 million in hospice and home care services for underinsured and uninsured patients and their family members.  VNS Development Director Brinda Pola reports that while the number of Tree of Light donations was down slightly in 2008, a reduction in expenses allowed the agency to net nearly $35,000, an increase from 2007.  She expressed the agency’s appreciation for all who made last year’s program such a success in spite of the elements and the weak economy.

The 2008 Tree of Light was made possible through the gift of time from many VNS staff and community volunteers, in-kind donations from local businesses and generous financial support from Title Sponsor, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Pfriem;  Presenting Sponsor, GE; Supporting Sponsors, Beardsley, Brown & Bassett, Bridgeport Hospital Foundation and Workers’ Compensation Trust; Town Sponsors, Aquarion Water Company (Monroe), Durant, Nichols, Houston, Hodgson & Cortese-Costa, P.C. (Bridgeport), Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. (Shelton), Eitzen Chemical USA (Westport), Harris Wealth Management/SEB Actuaries & Administrators (Milford) and Valley Medical Supply (Oxford) and Media Sponsors are Farrell Marketing & Design and Acme Press, Inc.