Delaware Hospice Festival of Trees at Rehoboth Convention Center Dec. 9-11

Delaware Hospice’s signature annual fundraiser in Sussex County, with its extensive display of decorated trees and wreaths, will take place at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center from Friday to Sunday, Dec. 9-11.

Festival of Trees co-chairs Keith and Alison Parsell announced plans for the weekend event. “We’re pleased to be opening the festival’s exhibit of trees and wreaths to the public at no charge on Saturday and Sunday, so everyone can enjoy the holiday decorations,” said Keith Parsell.

Support for Delaware Hospice’s programs and services in the community will be raised through the Festival of Trees’ special events.

Friday evening’s Extravaganza opening reception from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. features special entertainment, a locally catered buffet, beautiful door prizes, and live and silent auction items. Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased in advance.

Children will enjoy photos, fun and pizza with Santa, Chuckles the Clown and Magic by Charlie along with a Kids Korner for children looking for a special gift from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.  Vendors will be available the entire day for unique holiday shopping.

A wine, cheese and dessert tasting from 5 to 9 p.m. will conclude Saturday’s festivities. Tickets for the tasting are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door.

Sunday features a delicious brunch served by local celebrity servers from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the Sunday brunch and must be purchased in advance.

The Parsells have a strong commitment to Delaware Hospice. With a medical background in radiology, Alison Parsell said, “I witnessed firsthand the suffering of patients and families through the 1970s, before hospice care was available.” Keith has served on the Delaware Hospice Board of Trustees for 20 years. He said, “In our funeral home business, we often meet families who praise Delaware Hospice for the care they received.”

Both are enthusiastic about the new Festival of Trees in Sussex County. Alison said, “Rehoboth will be in high gear during this weekend, with Christmas shopping, the Rehoboth Art Walk on Saturday, and holiday decorations everywhere. We’re looking forward to a fantastic turnout to our Festival of Trees events.”

For tickets call 302-855-2344, email pdolby@delawarehospice.org or go to www.delawarehospice.org.

Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 36,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. Delaware Hospice is  accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare standards-setting and accrediting organization.

Delaware Hospice was voted a 2011 Top Workplace in an employee survey by Workplace Dynamics and the News Journal. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or go to www.delawarehospice.org.