December 05, 2005

Genesis Lights Remembrance Tree To Honor Loved Ones During Holidays

Davenport, IA – Holidays are often a time when we remember loved ones who are no longer with us.

The Genesis Remembrance Tree gives Quad Cities residents the opportunity to dedicate a light in the name of loved ones who they want to remember in a special way.

The public is invited to the Genesis Remembrance Tree celebration on Wenesday, Dec. 7.  The 27-foot Blue Spruce will become a permanent Remembrance Tree in a future park at River Drive and Iowa Street in downtown Davenport.

The tree-lighting celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a musical prelude.  The tree-lighting will be at 5:25 p.m

Individual “light’’ sponsors are invited to make a donation in any amount in the name of a loved one. All of the proceeds will benefit the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

The names of loved ones can also be inscribed into the Genesis “Book of Names’’ that will be read aloud at closing ceremonies on Jan. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Anyone who wishes to inscribe a name of a loved one in the book can do so in-person on Wednesday, or can do so online at www.genesishealth.com.

The Remembrance Tree was moved live last month from Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Ill.  The tree was growing so large that it was blocking the view of oncoming traffic for visitors leaving the zoo.

The 40,000-pound tree was carefully excavated and moved to its permanent home in the planned park that will serve as a gateway to downtown Davenport.

Gerdau Ameristeel in Eldridge has donated the fibermat ground covering for the tree-lighting celebration.

For more information about the Genesis Remembrance Tree, call 563-421-6865, or go to www.genesishealth.com.