Tree of Life Supporters Raise $70,000 for United Hospice

As holiday shoppers helped decorate a special group of Christmas trees at Palisades Center in honor of loved ones, they contributed more than $70,000 to benefit the programs of United Hospice of Rockland.

United Hospice of Rockland, based in New City, says shoppers placed more than 2,000 stars and lights on the seven trees in its 20th annual Tree of Life benefit on  Level One of the mall in West Nyack, near Lord & Taylor.

Hospice volunteers will continue to staff the Tree of Life booth to accept donations through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.

More than 100 volunteers set-up and take down the display of trees, put names on stars, and staff the United Hospice table throughout December. The names of honorees appear on stars adorning the Trees of Life and were also inscribed in the United Hospice Tree of Life Honor Roll Book, which is viewable online at www.hospiceofrockland.org. 

Proceeds from the Trees of Life enable United Hospice to continue to provide compassionate care, comfort and support to people with serious illnesses and their families. Stars can still be purchased by calling Laurie Bandremer, United Hospice special events coordinator, at 845-634-4974 or donating online at www.hospiceofrockland.org.

The trees, provided by Jim Johansen of Triumph Trees, were illuminated by  Stephen Grant on behalf of the Grant and Ancin families on Wednesday, Dec. 15 during a ceremony at themall.

"I am honored to have been asked to light these trees.  I do so in the memory of my father, John Grant, who was Rockland County's first county executive and chair of UHR's board, and for all the hospice families," said Stephen Grant. John T. Grant of Haverstraw died on May 8 at age 78.

Musical entertainment for the Trees of Life program was provided by the Clarkstown North High School Chamber Choir directed by Vincent Reina and the Clarkstown South High School Troubadours directed by Kip Bonsignore.

The Trees of Life program was presented, for the third year, by the Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving. The event was supported by Palisades Center, which hosted the event for the 12th year, and by sponsors and patrons including: The Jeffrey David Walerstein Foundation in memory of Jeffrey David Walerstein; David G. Schwartz in memory of Janice F. Schwartz; the Rockland County Clerk's Office in memory of Marilyn Dugandzic; AMA Laboratories; Solveig Bergstol in memory of Leif Bergstol; Dr. Edward and Raselle Fisher; Robin and Scott Haber in memory of Molly Shilling and Jerry & May Saenger; K&M Newspaper Services Inc. in memory of  Martin Jacobs; Donna Sherman in memory of Natalie Sherman; Bette T. Nussbaum in memory of Andre Lamblin; and Robyn and Todd Herbst in honor of Robyn, Carly, Scott and Danielle.

"As the Wireless Zone family grows, so does its sense of responsibility to the communities in which we operate. The Foundation strives to make a difference," said CEO of Wireless Zone Kevin Sinclair. "United Hospice of Rockland provides such a significant and beneficial service to the community and we want to help Untied Hospice of Rockland make a difference in the lives of those that they serve."

United Hospice of Rockland has been chosen by the Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving to receive $5,000 to support its mission, according to Sinclair.

"In this economy, it is even more important to give back.  We feel fortunate and privileged to be in a position to help," said Sinclair. "When people learn they have a limited life expectancy, what to do and where to turn become overwhelming decisions. At a time when the world seems upside down, Untied Hospice of Rockland steps in and wraps patients and families in a circle of care. Patients receive care in their own homes or a setting of choice surrounded by loved ones. Hope and comfort replace fear and anxiety. Hospice care is about patients and families achieving goals, having choices and living well."

Founded in 1988 as "The Car Phone Store," Wireless Zone has grown to more than 450 locations. Wireless Zone is a division of Automotive Technologies Inc. For more information, visit www.wirelesszone.com.