'Trees of Angels' Sparks Holiday Season at City Hall

Dozens gathered to ring in the holidays at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Tree of Angels celebration at Newark City Hall Monday night.

Sponsored by the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation, the event helps raise funds and awareness for hospice care in the Tri-Cities.

Now in its 17th year, the annual Tree of Angels campaign has raised more than $450,000 for hospice care in the Tri-Cities, according to Demetrious Shaffer, president of the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation board and interim Alameda County fire chief.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were on hand to greet the families who attended, and event goers were able to catch performances by the Newark Memorial Advanced Choir.

The event even drew community members from neighboring towns.

It was the first year Union City resident Tina Glace attended the tree lighting in Newark. Her 16-month-old son, Jaxon, was found dancing near the tree shortly after it was lit. 

"He's loving the lights," said Glace, who added that she frequents tree lightings during the holiday season. "I try to do it for the kids. ... We kick [the holidays] off with the Niles parade."

Union City will hold its annual Tree of Angels event Wednesday at the Nakamura Clinic, 33077 Alvarado Niles Blvd. 

See highlights from the tree lighting and a video of the event in our photo gallery above and feel free to add your own photos, too.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Video Blog: Newark Holiday Tree Lighting and Trees of Angels

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