The Hospice of Wichita Falls announces the 2019
The Hospice of Wichita Falls (HOWF) announced the 2019 Tree of Lights fundraiser at the media luncheon Thursday, Oct. 31. The keynote speaker, Dee King, shared an emotional story about her experience with HOWF. King described how the staff helped her and her husband, Larry, journey toward the end of his life.
“I know firsthand about the extraordinary ministry that is carried out [HOWF] daily. Everything I needed was supplied immediately. I will never forget the support. The doctor and staff helped me feel so secure,” King said.
King referenced a moment in the Wizard of Oz movie when everything turned from black and white to color, stating that is how she felt when she walked through the doors at Hospice.
“When I walked through the doors, everything was in color. It was hopeful and peaceful and full of joy and smiling facing and sympathetic and compassionate people,” King said. “It was such a relief. There is healing [at HOWF). And it is more than physical healing; It is emotional healing and spiritual healing.”
After the emotional story shared by King, Chief Executive Officer Alisa Echols announced that the 2019 “Tree of Lights” fundraising goal is $275,000.00. HOWF is asking for $10 donations for each light.
The campaign kick-off and tree lighting ceremony will occur Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. in the parking lot at Sikes Senter Mall in Wichita Falls. Dec. 13 will be the last opportunity to donate and light a star in honor of a loved one. Radio Day will take place from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Dec. 13. Tune in to 102.3 The Bull FM to make live donations. The “Lighting of the Star” ceremony will follow at 6 p.m. in the parking lot at Sikes Senter Mall. Executive Director Alyssa Nichols mentioned that the star will be turned off after the lighting ceremony Nov. 19 and will remain off until the $275,000 goal is reached Dec. 13.
You may begin making donations immediately. Hospice of Wichita Falls volunteers will be set up to receive donations between Saturday Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 13, at Market Street Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 6 p.m. Also, volunteers will be at a kiosk in the Sikes Center Mall Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
According to HOWF, the first Tree of Lights campaign was held in 1985 and has since maintained its purpose to raise funds to support its mission. It also provides an opportunity for every donor to honor or remember the people who have touched lives through the lighting of the tree.” For Hospice, “the lights on the tree have a special meaning, representing those patients and families and honoring the memory of those lives.”
The money raised will be used to support the programs offered. After the death of a patient, HOWF provides one full year of bereavement support for the family. Other services offered by HOWF free of charge include; Building Bridges – a support group for bereaved children grades K-12, Camp Grin Again—a half-day summer camp for children K-eighth grade, Wings of Hope—a monthly support group for people who have suffered the loss of a child, Memorial Services and many Bereavement/Grief Support Groups.
The Hospice of Wichita Falls was established as a nonprofit organization in 1985 and has served thousands of people throughout North Texas. HOWF is located at 4909 Johnson Road in Wichita Falls, Texas. For more information about the Hospice of Wichita Falls, call 940-691-0982 or visit www.HOWF.org.