The Blessing Tree cancer support tradition will continue for the 26th year starting Dec. 3 and it will shine brightly for all at a new location in downtown Bettendorf.
It is a tradition in which Quad Citians can sponsor a light, bow, or ornament in memory of, celebration of, or in gratitude for a special person in their life. All the proceeds from The Blessing Tree benefit the no-cost programs offered by Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club to support those impacted by cancer.
The Blessing Tree’s new location is Be the Light Park, located on State Street between 10th & 12th streets.
Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club, formerly Gilda’s Club Quad Cities, is collaborating with Ascentra Credit Union, the Downtown Bettendorf Organization and the City of Bettendorf on the new, highly visible location.
Cocoa, cookies, carolers
Organizers urge the public to join the partners for cocoa, cookies Victorian carolers, and conversation from 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the lighting of the Blessing Tree. The tree will be lit through Jan. 3. Organizers will read the names of loved ones at 6:15 p.m. They will illuminate the Blessing Tree at 6:30 p.m. Event parking is along State Street.
“Be the Light Park is a place dedicated to remembering and honoring the lives of Dale Owen and Paul Lensmeyer. Both were taken from us entirely too soon. Having the Blessing Tree shining brightly at the Be the Light Park really touches my heart because Dale would want to share his place of remembrance with others,” Angela Owen, Mr. Owen’s wife, said in a news release.
Joy Bush, executive director of Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club, thanked Ascentra, DBO and the city for partnering on the new location.
“The tree found its home on River Drive (in Davenport) for over 20 years where it became a symbol of the holiday season and the hope it brought to many as we honor and remember those that have had an impact on our life,” Ms. Bush said in the release. “After closing our Clubhouse on River Drive in 2020 we wanted to find a new place for it to be at home. A place for families and friends to gather, remember and share memories during the holiday season.
“Finding its home at the Be The Light Park just seemed so fitting, knowing what it symbolizes and the impact that Paul and Dale both had on our community, we feel like it is where it is meant to be,” she added.
Visit tree any time
The 32-foot tree allows the community to visit at any time to honor, remember and celebrate.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to have the Blessing Tree located within the Be the Light Park this holiday season,” Ascentra President and CEO Linda Andry said. “It is incredibly heartwarming to see the collaboration between Ascentra, Gilda’s Club, the Downtown Bettendorf Organization and the City of Bettendorf to provide a place for members of our communities to remember loved ones, to bring hope to those fighting cancer and to share the message of Being a Light to all that visit the park or pass by.”
Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club provides support to those impacted by cancer. The entire community can honor and remember someone special even if their life was not impacted by cancer through the Blessing Tree.
Contribute to the Blessing Tree or to purchase a light, bow or ornament, by visint to csciowaillinois.org/blessingtree/ or call (563) 326-7504. ake a donation through Jan. 3, 2025 to celebrate the life of someone special through the Blessing Tree.
For more information, contact Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club at (563) 326-7504 or email [email protected].
