Milford 'Tree Of Life' Fundraiser Nets $18K

MILFORD, MA — An annual Milford Regional Medical Center fundraiser held last week raised nearly $18,000 for a cancer charity at the hospital — the highest amount in almost two decades, according to the hospital.

Here's more from a Milford Regional news release:

A warmer than average December evening brought out a crowd of local residents and members of the Milford Regional Medical Center community for the hospital’s Tree of Life fundraiser, held on December 5. The annual event raised nearly $18,000 this year and is hosted by the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation. This is the most funding raised since the event began in 2003.

The Tree of Life honors and pays tribute to those who have been affected by cancer and benefits the Oliva Fund. Established in 2007, the Oliva Fund has been providing resources to support patients being treated at Milford Regional and the Dana-Farber/Brigham & Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional and their families.

A portion of this year’s proceeds came from members of the Whitinsville Christian School girls varsity soccer team, who raised $2,630 for the Oliva Fund. Several members of the team presented Milford Regional’s President and CEO Edward J. Kelly and Milford Regional’s Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Judy Kelly with a check during the Tree of Life ceremony.

The evening kicked off with a brief speaking program, followed by Milford resident Louis Guerriere lighting the tree in memory of his wife, Janice. The evening culminated with a performance by the Whitinsville Christian School Vocal Ensemble.