Miss Virginia 2017 Cecili Weber visits with Richfield Living resident and veteran John Ratliff at The Oaks as part of Richfield’s month of giving thanks. On Tuesday, Nov. 28, during #GivingTuesday, Richfield and John M. Oakey & Son are hosting a “Celebration of Life & Lights” which will include the illumination of a 20-foot-tall “Life and Lights” tree. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, #Giving Tuesday, Richfield Living is celebrating the culmination of a month of giving thanks and expressing appreciation by inviting the community to share in the lighting of a 20-foot-tall outdoor tree during a Life and Lights event.
The tree will remain lit during the holiday season. The lighting ceremony, followed by complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will start at 6:30 p.m. and is sponsored by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. Lights on the tree are in memory of friends and family at Richfield and beyond who have passed on, and in honor of people who are cherished. There will also be a message of remembrance and appreciation.
“We are pleased to partner with Richfield,” says Jon Wilson, VP/General Manager of John M. Oakey & Son. “This is our community, our family and friends. It is an honor to help bring comfort and healing to the families we serve and the greater community.”
The tree lighting takes place on #GivingTuesday, the new national holiday movement which celebrates giving and philanthropy.
Richfield President and CEO George Child explained why he is excited about the new tradition at the retirement community on West Main Street in Salem. “We look forward to reconnecting with the family members of those Richfield has served, to express our appreciation and to let them know they are still part of the Richfield family,” Child said.
He added that he is thankful for John M. Oakey & Son for making the new tradition possible. “So many people play an important role in making life at Richfield wonderful: residents, family members, staff, volunteers, vendors and more. Many of them are still among us, while some are not. With time passing what seems faster and faster, along with ever-increasing demands, we often don’t make time to grieve, reflect, celebrate and remember,” Child said. “We hope members of the Salem-area community know they are welcome to join us Tuesday night.”
The lighting of the tree is the culmination of a month of giving thanks and appreciation at Richfield. On Veterans Day, Miss Virginia Cecili Weber visited with veterans from throughout the campus and performed for them at a get-together at The Oaks. Richfield Living is located at 3615 W. Main Street, Salem.