UCSF Children's Hospital to Hold Macy's Tree Lighting Kick-off Event

The thousands of lights that will illuminate Macy's 80-foot-tall holiday tree in Union Square recently went on sale with the proceeds from the purchase of each tiny light benefiting programs for children with life-threatening illnesses at UCSF Children's Hospital. UCSF will kick off the sale of tree lights during a celebration on Friday, October 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at UCSF Moffitt Café, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco. The event will feature special celebrity guest Nick Swisher, first baseman and outfielder for the Oakland A's. Donors who purchase lights for Macy's holiday tree will be contributing to programs like UCSF Children's Hospital's palliative care program, known as Compass Care, which supports children and their families who are struggling with life-threatening illnesses like cancer. Each light costs $10, the purchase is tax deductible, and is accompanied by a souvenir 2007 18th Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony pin. Lights may be purchased from UCSF Medical Center managers and employees and at a booth outside the Moffitt Café cafeteria from October 8th through 12th. Lights also are available by calling (888) 689-UCSF and in Union Square the day of the tree lighting. The department store will hold its 18th Annual Macy's Tree-Lighting to Benefit UCSF Children's Hospital at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 23, the day after Thanksgiving. Last year, more than $148,000 was raised to benefit the palliative care program. One of the nation's top children's hospitals, UCSF Children's Hospital creates an environment where children and their families find compassionate care at the healing edge of scientific discovery, with more than 150 experts in 50 medical specialties serving patients throughout Northern California and beyond. Related Links: UCSF Children's Hospital Compass Care UCSF Children's Hospital