Pasadena Tree Lighting to Benefit Families in Need

When local residents Hayley Gable and Dave Rosage decided to hold a tree lighting ceremony last Christmas, they were amazed at the overwhelming response of the Pasadena community. 

“Dave and I both live and work here in Pasadena,” Gable said. “We thought it was important that, as a new generation of Pasadena residents, we have an event for the young families of Pasadena to call their own.”

After nearly 500 people attended last year's ceremony, Gable and Rosage approached the Pasadena Business Association (PBA) to discuss partnering with the PBA for the 2011 lighting.

“The event kind of exploded,” Rosage said. “We quickly realized that it wasn't about one person, but about the whole Pasadena community coming together.”

According to Rosage, the PBA has been instrumental in planning this year's tree lighting ceremony. Rosage said that several businesses within the organization have donated goods and services, working together to make the event a success.

John Williams, a Pasadena resident and PBA member, said that one of the greatest additions the organization has brought to this year's tree lighting is their ability to connect with Pasadena schools to find families in need of toy donations this Christmas. According to Williams, ornaments commemorating the ceremony are being sold at area businesses in the days leading up to the event. Proceeds from ornament sales will go to purchasing toys for two needy families from each Pasadena school.

“As a father, I can't imagine what it would be like to have your children come downstairs on Christmas morning and find nothing under the Christmas tree,” Williams said. “Our goal is that every kid we're put in contact with will have something to open on Christmas morning.”

In addition to ornament sales, Rosage said that donations of money and toys will be accepted on Thursday evening at the tree lighting.

Among the events planned for Thursday's ceremony are face painting, photos with Santa, and a performance by the Chesapeake High School vocal ensemble. According to event organizers, the program will begin at 7 p.m., with the tree being lit at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Donated by local resident Jim Raines, this year's Christmas tree was cut from Raines' front yard last week. Volunteers decorated the 22-foot-high tree Monday evening, using a cherry picker truck to place the star on top. According to volunteers, the tree will be adorned with approximately 200 ornaments and more than 1,000 lights.

The second-annual Pasadena Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday on the Brumwell's Flea Market property – 4013 Mountain Road. For additional information, visit the event's Facebook page.