Macy's Tree Lighting Event to Benefit UCSF Children's Hospital

Lights for this year’s Macy’s annual ceremony celebrating the lighting of an 80-foot Shasta fir in Union Square — the traditional kickoff to the downtown holiday shopping season — are on sale, with proceeds benefiting UCSF Children’s Hospital. The tree will be adorned with 21,000 twinkling, energy-efficient LEDs and 1,500 red and gold ornaments. The 19th Annual Macy’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, but lights that benefit UCSF Children’s Hospital are on sale now. For the sixth year, Macy’s has made UCSF Children’s Hospital the beneficiary of its annual tree lighting. Former San Francisco Giants home-run king Barry Bonds is the honorary chair of the campaign, which will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 24. By sponsoring the 2008 Macy’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, faculty and staff can join a team of community sponsors committed to helping the children and families in our community who need our help. Over the last five years, the community has raised more than $685,000 for the UCSF Children’s Hospital palliative care program. By sponsoring a light for $5, donors make a tax-deductible contribution toward enriching and expanding services at UCSF Children’s Hospital. Tickets to sponsor the lights are accompanied by a souvenir illuminated 2008 UCSF Children’s Hospital reflector safety pin or an exclusive gourmet Coco-Luxe Tree Lighting chocolate bar, both of which make great stocking stuffers. Tickets may be purchased at the following locations: • From medical center managers and staff • In the Moffitt Hospital Gift Shop (star pins only) • In the Moffitt Café on the second floor of the hospital (chocolate bars only) Donations to the program can also be made by calling 415/353-4172 or via the UCSF Medical Center website.