Page 6 - Ulupono December 2019

Thirty-seventh Annual Castle Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
More than 2,500 visitors attended Adventist Health Castle’s 37th Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Castle offers the annual event free of charge in partnership with Alexander & Baldwin, Edward Enterprises, Inc., GP Roadway Solutions and Jones Lang La Salle (JLL).
As is traditional, festivities began at 6:15 p.m. with a preprogram concert by the Marine Forces Pacific Concert Band. Senior Chaplain Sara-May Colon began the evening with prayer followed by a stirring acapella rendition of the national anthem by Joyce Newmyer, President of Adventist Health’s Pacific Northwest Region.
A special drawing for a gift card package, compliments of Christmas Spirit Sponsor Alexander and Baldwin went to lucky winner Blossom Rodrigues. The package included a $100 gift card to Global Village, a $100 Gift Card to Island Snow, and a $50 gift card to the Fighting Eel.
Radio celebrity emcees Tisha Lefeldt and Sam Kapu III led the countdown to the lighting of Castle’s 60 ft. Christmas tree
by Castle Governing Board members and Administration that featured a brand new 6 ft. by 4 ft. switch. Following the lighting of the tree, Santa and Mrs. Claus made their appearance by horse and carriage.
The evening also offered keiki activities, free hot chocolate, popcorn and gingerbread cookies, and trolley rides into Kailua. Legendary Hawaiian music group the Makaha Sons closed the evening with a concert.
Adventist Health Castle livestreamed the event on
Facebook for the first time.
You can view the entire event
as well as “behind the scenes” interviews by scanning the QR Code.
Special thanks to the Marketing, Nutritional Services, Security, Facilities and Grounds staff and volunteers who worked to make this beautiful event such a success.
6 | ULUPONO - DECEMBER 2019