The Saturday, Nov. 24, evening celebration in downtown Lakeport was a spectacular success. The annual parade, the visits with Santa, receiving a stuffed toy from Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the town tree were enjoyed by all.

Hospice Services of Lake County wants to thank everyone who helped to make the lighting of the town tree such a joyous occasion. A special thanks to our musicians, Mike Heintz, Becky Nelson and John Zimmerman.

The lights on the tree shine throughout this holiday season to remind us of the people we love and those we have loved and who have gone before us.

An event like this cannot happen without the help of many people.

I wish to especially thank Melissa Fulton, chief executive officer of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, for her guidance and knowledge in managing the multiple last minute details of the event; the Lakeport Main Street Association and their volunteers who arranged for visits with Santa Claus and the children’s fair; Dan LaBelle, electrician, for bringing power to the event for the booths and the public address system; Marc Giberson, maintenance worker for the parks and recreation department for his invaluable assistance in arranging the lights on the tree; Lynn, Becca and Blair Brookes, and the FFA and 4H students who offered invaluable assistance; the Board of Hospice Services of Lake County for distributing cookies and cocoa; and the many generous donors who contributed to this annual fundraising campaign and the amazing staff of Hospice Services of Lake County whose untiring dedication and work helped this annual celebration be a success.

To all the citizens of Lake County who attended the event and who support the work of Hospice Services of Lake County throughout the year: Thank you for your generosity and for sharing your light and love with our patients and families.

Anja Koot is executive director of Hospice Services of Lake County, Calif.