Light Up a Life invitations on the way

October 20, 2004
Santa Paula News

Stars are what Light Up a Life is all about, Santa Clara Valley Hospice (SCVH)/Home Support Group’s annual fundraiser honoring or memorializing your loved ones, but the first stars of the event are the volunteers who assure that the community tradition continues to benefit SCVH services.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesStars are what Light Up a Life is all about, Santa Clara Valley Hospice (SCVH)/Home Support Group’s annual fundraiser honoring or memorializing your loved ones, but the first stars of the event are the volunteers who assure that the community tradition continues to benefit SCVH services.The Light Up a Life Addressing Day was held Friday, Oct. 8 at Faulkner Hall at the First United Methodist Church, where about 40 volunteers worked for several hours to meet the demands of the event as well as the U.S. Postal Service.“We have it down to a science now,” said SCVH Board President Cathy Barringer. “We have star checkers, stuffers, stackers, lickers and mailers,” who prepared about 1,600 Light Up a Life invitations that included the traditional star ornament.Stars are what Light Up a Life is all about: For each $10 donation the name of the honored or memorialized one is read and “their” star shines on the huge holiday tree outside the United Water Conservation District at the corner of 8th and Main streets.Traditionally, Light Up a Life is held the Saturday following Thanksgiving, this year on Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. A ceremony will also be held in Fillmore.The star theme dominates the Light Up a Life celebration down to the star-shaped cookies offered the crowd who also enjoy hot spiced apple cider and musical entertainment.
“Our Light Up a Life is meaningful and special, although purposely uncomplicated,” Barringer noted.SCVH Board Member Elaine Hunt was kept busy filling gold-painted star-shaped baskets with more Light Up a Life invitations that will be placed at businesses throughout Santa Paula.Gretchen Frey said she has helped out the Light Up a Life Addressing Party for about a decade. “I even see new people here, which is healthy,” for the organization’s volunteer base.Again this year there will be a special Light Up a Life Pet Tree at the Whistle Stop Café where favorite felines and fidos can be honored or remembered. Also at the café will be a special Tree of Remembrance where memorial or in honor of gold stars will be hung throughout the holiday season.Santa Clara Valley Hospice is a nonprofit corporation serving persons with life-limiting illnesses and other needs in Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru and Saticoy.Santa Clara Valley Hospice provides free transportation to medical appointments, has a sickroom equipment loan program, lending library, caregiver respite, meal preparation and errand assistance, just some examples of the always-free Hospice services.For more information on Light Up a Life, call the SCVH at 525-1333.



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